Nele Zirnite

About

Nele Zirnite, born in Lithuania on May 27, 1959, is a Latvian graphic artist, painter, and educator renowned for her innovative etching techniques and surreal motifs. She studied graphic arts at the Vilnius Art Institute from 1978 to 1982 before moving to Latvia, where she continued her education at the Art Academy of Latvia, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1984 and a Master of Fine Arts in 2000. Joining the Latvian Artists Association in 1988, she has served on its board multiple times and leads the etching studio of the Latvian Artists Union. Zirnite has been actively involved in graphic art organizations, including founding and leading the Etching Guild since 2010 and coordinating international projects like 'Strong Water.' Her pedagogical career includes lecturing at the Art Academy of Latvia from 1995 to 2003 and serving as an Associate Professor at the Latvian Christian Academy since 2003.

Surrealist with sensitive tonal gradations and delicate lines focusing on human figures