I recently went to the opening day of Roberts Rūrāns’ exhibition
Chestnut and the Universe at Zuzeum. Roberts was there himself.
He gave a short introduction and then led a three-hour tour, telling
stories about each of his works along the way.

The exhibition was built in two layers. The outer layer held his
more commercial work, the pieces many people probably already
know. Behind a curtain was the inner layer: a series of paintings
of the Ten Commandments.

Before the tour I didn’t know much about him, but once he started talking I
quickly wanted to know more. By the end of the day I had fallen in love with
his art. It was refreshing to hear him speak about Christianity so openly and
naturally. Learning how much symbolism is hidden in his paintings made
me love them even more. The longer you look, the more there is to find.

The day meant a lot to me personally, too. I hope to work in Christian
design myself, through my Bible design projects, so hearing from another
Christian creative is always valuable. This time it was especially inspiring.

I walked out of Zuzeum feeling like the world looked a little brighter. There
is something truly magical, even divine, about his art, and I want to try to
put my finger on what it is. So far, I have a few theories...

Chestnut and the Universe Tour

Riga, Latvia

2026