08.02. - 02.03.2024

Galerija "Māksla XO"

Elizabetes iela 14, Rīga, LV 1010

OTO HOLGERS OZOLINS

How to Quit Smoking and Run a Marathon

„Why would anyone want to run a marathon and quit smoking?
I thought about the quitting smoking marathon like every year. A thought that often crosses a smoker’s mind after a day of heavy smoking. This time, however, there was a devised plan of action. It might seem absurd, but perhaps this unconventional approach sets this attempt apart from previous ones. It is clear that we like to smoke, but we don’t like to run. Is it possible to make it so that you like running and don’t like smoking? It’s exactly six months until the start of the marathon...
Don’t know what to expect? Five minutes after waking up, I thought about smoking. I couldn’t remember the dream. (14.11.22. 06:10) First journal entry…” Oto Holgers Ozoliņš.

In November 2022, Oto Holgers Ozolins decided that it was time to quit smoking. Determined to break the cycle of unsuccessful attempts, he opted for a unique approach ˗ exchanging one seemingly impossible thing with another. To run a marathon distance of 42 km seemed equally impossible. Precisely six months remained until the race. The marathon has been completed, and the artist still does not smoke.
Sculptor Oto Holgers Ozolins plans to run another marathon in the exhibition space. The sculptures were created simultaneously with the preparation for the marathon distance

By using sculpting techniques and diverse materials, Oto Holgers Ozolins witty and ironically talks about individuals and contemporary societal issues. Delving into his own experiences, the artist offers a fresh perspective on the world and himself – exploring topics such as self-discipline, meditation, fishing, hanging out the laundry, and even smoking. Oto Holgers Ozolins encourages fellow artists not to be afraid of what they do, but rather to do it in such a way that you want to be afraid.
Oto Holgers Ozolins (1997) graduated from the Department of Sculpture at the Art Academy of Latvia (2022). He has contributed to the design creation of scenography for various theatre performances and the creation of sculptural objects in the urban environment. Since 2018, he has participated in group shows in Latvia and abroad and has organised 4 solo exhibitions.