On May 28, 2026, Birkenfelds Gallery (Dēļu iela 2, Riga) will open the retrospective exhibition “Camera as Passport” by Latvian-born American photographer Ulvis Alberts (1942–2025). The opening evening will also feature a live concert by Tom Waits Birthday Band.
Ulvis Alberts was born in Latvia, but after World War II he fled with his family to Germany and later to the United States, where he became an internationally recognised photographer. His camera became a kind of passport – an opportunity to explore different worlds, meet people and document an era.
His photographs capture musicians, actors, directors and personalities from the world of poker, including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Tina Turner and Steven Spielberg. Alongside portraits of celebrities, however, Ulvis Alberts’ work has always focused on human presence, the atmosphere of the time and a documentary perspective.
The exhibition will feature several of Alberts’ photographic series – “Icebox”, “Celebrities” and “Poker Face”, as well as photographs from Riga Old Town in the 1990s, documenting everyday life and youth in newly restored Latvia. In total, the exhibition will include more than 60 works, including silver gelatin prints, which have become increasingly rare in today’s digital age.
Opening programme:
• Speeches by co-owner of the MŪKU SALA business centre Klāvs Vasks and gallery director Toms Zvirbulis
• Screening of a documentary short film about the photographer’s journey in Latvia
• Concert by Tom Waits Birthday Band
• Bar by cultural venue Atmoda
During the exhibition: visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase original artworks, posters and specially produced T-shirts created for the event. The exhibition is part of the Riga Art Week (RAW) and Riga Last Thursday programme.
Venue: ZEISS Birojs (Galerija Birkenfelds), Dēļu iela 2, Riga
Date: May 28, 2026
Doors open: 18:00 | Opening: 19:00 | Concert: 20:00 | After opening: weekdays 9:00-17:30
Info: Toms Zvirbulis (+371 29141605), www.birkenfelds.lv/en
