The time of the Barricades in photographs and memories.

The period of the January 1991 Barricades became one of the most decisive stages in Latvia’s path toward the restoration of independence. In this video, based on materials from the collection of the Latvian Museum of Photography, the tension of the barricade days, the unity and courage of the people, as well as the role of photographers and cinematographers in documenting history are revealed.
The photographs and film footage were documented in cold conditions, in haste, and under threat to life, with the awareness that the camera could become a witness to events shaping the nation’s collective memory. This documentation serves as a reminder of the people who took part in the barricades day and night, and of the tragic events of January 1991.
These captured moments are preserved in the collection of the Latvian Museum of Photography as evidence of the price of freedom and of people’s willingness to defend it till the very end.

Text and audio prepared by: collection manager Dāvids Pavlovs
Video made: public relations specialist Daniēla Treimane