Scēna

Title: Scēna

Photographer(s): Arnis Balčus

Writer(s): Arnis Balčus

Designer(s): Alexey Murashko

Publisher(s): Mūsdienu kultūras centrs Kultkom, Rīga, Latvia

Year: 2024

Print run:

Language(s): Latvia, English

Pages:240

Size: 21 x 29,5 cm

Binding: Hardcover

Edition:

Print: Jelgavas tipogrāfija, Jelgava, Latvia

Nation(s) and year(s) of Protest: Latvia,2021

ISBN:9789934875496

https://balcus.lv/?section=books

This book is a visual study and statement about the alternative subculture of young people in Riga, which its author calls a Latvian cultural phenomenon. The Scene is the community that has formed around the concerts held by young alternative music groups, such as Nikotīņi, Pauls Raimonds and ŠŅK in Riga's alternative music clubs Depo and Republika, sometimes also in the underground venues Lastādija and Ādmiņu 4. Although this community is often referred to as the young punks, many of its participants associate themselves with goths, black metal and hardcore fans, while some want to remain outside categories or free of labels. Attaching such tags is associated with a broader societal vilification they face daily, such as negative comments from passersby about their appearance and clothing style. The Scene reached its peak after the pandemic; more and more music groups emerged and concerts became widely attended. The Scene went from underground to becoming a Latvian cultural phenomenon and grew larger than ever before. At present, one could say that we are a punk powerhouse. The Scene is not just about music, it is a platform for socialization, creative activities, and some even call it their home. However, behind the impressive makeup and aggressive music, lie the problems of modern youth: the desire forself-affirmation; the search for the meaning of life; identity issues; mental health problems; as well as complex interpersonal relationships, including conflicts, suicide attempts, and violence. The body is the only thing that these young people possess and it becomes not only a means of asserting their identity, but also a tool of protest. Alongside music and art, self- harm, tattooing, gender fluidity, sexual self-determination, and antisocial behaviour are forms of resistance against the feeling of inevitability that one cannot change anything in this world.