Inta Ruka

Inta Ruka is engaged in a psychologically complex genre of photography – documental portraiture. The most popular motif of her work is the portrait of the “common person,” taken in the subject’s familiar setting. Although these simple people often live in very basic conditions, Ruka never takes a critical or judgemental attitude toward her subjects. Her works are permeated by a love for people and humanism. As the artist remarks: “I don’t think in any way that these people are losers. They are wonderful people, who work and have a wide range of life experiences. With their sorrows, worries and joys. It is always a story about fate. I believe that each of us has our own destiny. Some of us succeed, while others don’t do so well. I think that I understand ordinary people.”

Ruka began her photo series “My Country People” in 1984, photographing country people near Balvi in Latgale, eastern Latvia. Since her photography treats the individual as an absolute value, her “country folk” portraits were made meditatively and unhurriedly, with the work extending over several decades in order to discover people’s stories and fates, thereby capturing on film truly intimate companions rather than strangers. 

Aija and Andris Kerāns. Balvi, Latvia. From the collection “My Country People”. 1992.

Imants Rutkaste, Andis Rutkaste, Agita Rutkaste. Balvi, Latvia. From the collection “My Country People”. 1985. Gelatin silver print. 39 x 37,5 cm

Iveta Tavare, Edgars Tavars. Balvi, Latvia. From the collection “My Country People”. 1987.

Daina Tavare. Balvi, Latvia. From the collection “My Country People”. 2011.