Multimedia Exhibition Lsx20: A Fusion of Art and Currency

Design Studio H2E's Innovative Exhibition Celebrating Latvian Currency

The exhibition's purpose is to highlight the trinity of banknotes and coins, their authors, and their artworks. The graphite structure serves as the central design element of the exhibition, mirroring the crystalline hexagonal grid of carbon. Each facet of the exhibition features the creative ideas of artists, making it a unique and engaging experience for visitors.

The multimedia exhibition utilizes the latest technologies to immerse visitors in the world of currency design. A unitary audiovisual video projection streams different objects on three walls, creating a dynamic flow of circulating currency. Crystal-shaped showcases display coins, their sketches, and objects of artistic inspiration, while video interviews provide insights into the artists' views about money.

The exhibition, spanning a total area of 360 m2, was designed in the historic building of The Bank of Latvia. It was made from a variety of materials including MDF, aluminium composite panel Neobond, plastic, organic glass, glass, digital print, and oracal. The design team, led by designers Holgers Elers and Ingūna Elere, worked diligently to bring this innovative concept to life.

The exhibition offers an interactive experience, with virtual artists engaging visitors in discussions about their views on money and the creative process. Visitors are also invited to create their own coin design, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved in currency design.

The project, which started in September 2012 and was completed in May 2013, required extensive research and creative problem-solving. The design team faced challenges in creating real-size 3-D model solutions and in realizing the symbolic crystalline structures of the graphite. Despite these challenges, the exhibition was successfully opened to the public in Riga, Latvia, from March to May 2013.

The Lsx20 exhibition was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2014, a testament to the innovative and trendsetting creations of Design studio H2E. The exhibition not only celebrates the 20th anniversary of the reintroduction of the Latvian national currency but also highlights the intersection of art, design, and technology in our everyday lives.