THE BEAR RIPPER

Lāčplēsis

Lāčplēsis - a symbolic hero in Latvian folklore that's described in literature and elements of him can be found in wider Latvian culture.

As a young boy upon seeing his father in danger from a nearby bear, he rips the bear apart by its jaws, therefore saving his father's life and gaining his nickname. Lāčplēsis strength comes from his bear mother, and his power is hidden in his bearlike ears. He roams the land fighting invaders and ridding the land of monsters. 

Y2K -  21st century

As a part of my bachelor's project, I created a sculptural composition made of ceramic material and an illustrated comic -  that's based on a story by Madara Markusa, it was written upon my request. The story is about how Lāčplēsis through a magical portal travels to modern-day Riga. The hero tries to find a place where he belongs in this new world.