The Latgale Planning Region (LPR), in cooperation with Ludza Municipality, has realised a large-scale mural on a residential building at 1 Kuļņeva Street in Ludza. The mural symbolically portrays the idea of remigration through the image of a running girl holding a dandelion, representing a return to one’s roots and planting the seeds of a new beginning in one’s homeland.
The mural “I’m Returning to Latgale” conveys the idea of remigration in a direct and emotional way, using several powerful visual elements and metaphors. Dandelion seeds symbolise people who have been carried far across the world by the wind – representing life circumstances and the search for employment. Meanwhile, the girl running with a dandelion in her hand, together with the seeds floating through the air, represents the return of these seeds – and people – home, back to their native soil, where they can take root once again. Remigration is often associated with families returning home because they wish to raise their children in a safe, green and familiar environment. The child’s smile and energy express the joy of returning home.
The mural was designed and painted in graffiti technique by street artists from the “TempART” association – Edgars Losinskis (Edgar Largo), Viktorija Valujeva and Mihails Lušins. The new artwork adorns the façade of the building facing the entrance to the Ludza Local History Museum and is located next to the Great Lakeside Promenade. It can become an ideal starting point for sightseeing tours around Ludza. The Latgale Planning Region extends its sincere thanks to the artists for their creativity, for bringing the idea to life, and for their thoughtful approach to working in this historic location.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to all Ludza Municipality employees involved in the project for their practical assistance and responsiveness. Special thanks to Ilona Mekša, Head of the Development and Planning Department of Ludza Municipality, for her active cooperation, flexibility and support throughout the implementation of the project.
The mural was created within the framework of the priority measure of the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development, “Implementation of the Provisions of the Diaspora Law (Support Measure for Promoting Remigration – Regional Remigration Coordinator).”
https://lpr.gov.lv