Latvian Art World Mourns the Loss of Jānis Anmanis
Riga,Latvia – November 14,2025 - The Latvian art community is deeply saddened by the passing of Jānis Anmanis,a remarkably versatile and influential artist,who died on November 9,2025,just before his 82nd birthday. A funeral service was held today at the 1st Meža cemetery chapel in Riga. His loss is felt profoundly by his loved ones and represents an irreplaceable void in latvian culture.
anmanis was a true Renaissance artist, excelling not only as a painter but also as a graphic designer, illustrator, performance artist, poet, and composer. His life was a vibrant and continuous artistic expression, characterized by freedom, boldness, and a rich palette of color.
A graduate of the Janis Rozentals Riga Art High School (1963) and the latvian Academy of arts’ Industrial Art Department (1969), Anmanis immediately demonstrated a distinctive style. His graduation project – a large-scale wall painting for the Academy’s canteen – foreshadowed the spaciousness and courage that would define his future work. His artistic output ranged from intimate miniature landscapes to expansive, multi-figure compositions, utilizing oil, watercolor, and tempera. Often imbued with historical context and inspired by figures and events from world and cultural history, his paintings blended literary narratives, intricate details, and symbolic references in a uniquely romantic harmony.
Beyond painting, Anmanis contributed his talents to book and press illustrations, served as a scenographer at the Riga Film Studio, and even composed music. he was a prolific exhibitor, showcasing his work in Latvia and internationally, including in Japan, the USA, India, France, and Germany. A dedicated member of the Artists’ Union of latvia since 1970, he actively participated in its activities, leading the Action committee of Art Days and famously organizing lively basketball tournaments to foster a creative and accessible art surroundings.His contributions were recognized with the Order of three Stars in 1998.
Jānis Anmanis was a charismatic and energetic figure, passionate about making art more accessible and engaging for all. He believed deeply in the power of soul in art, famously stating, ”There must be a soul in art, and if it is, then the painting sings.” His six-decade career was marked by relentless experimentation and a dedication to finding new forms of expression. Even debilitating health challenges, including the loss of his ability to walk, could not diminish his creative spirit.
His unique viewpoint, reflecting both the depths of human emotion and the beauty of the natural world, will continue to inspire generations of artists and art lovers. Jānis Anmanis leaves behind an enduring legacy, his work forever enshrined in Latvia’s cultural heritage as a testament to his remarkable talent and vibrant life.
