Barricades Memorial "Eyes" Memorial site

The environmental art object “Eyes”, created by Igors and Ruta Dobičin in 1991 (restored in 2012) in memory of the barricades, is dedicated to the 30 x 60-meter square. Dolomite and concrete pile and paving elements, similar to graphic signs, are placed in the 30 x 60-meter square, forming a cryptogram resembling a stylized “face”. A plaque is built into the symbolic ensemble with the inscription: “Eyes. Dedication to the guards of the Television Center during the barricades in 1991. There is strength in unity”. In 1991, a sculpture by Ojārs Feldbergs “By the Fire” was installed near the LTV building. The two-meter-high sculpture, carved in granite, contains a metaphor for people from four Latvian regions gathering around a common fire.

Television, like radio and the printed press, played a very important role during the Awakening not only as a source of information, but also as a driver of this process. The LTV program “Labvakar” (Good Evening), launched on January 31, 1988, gained immense popularity. It was the first program in Latvia in which Edvīns Inkēns, Ojārs Rubenis and Jānis Šipkēvics spoke about many previously forbidden topics. LTV broadcast live broadcasts from Latvian Popular Front congresses and mass demonstrations, and produced interviews and reports on politically important issues.

During the barricades in January 1991, the LTV building was one of the important objects guarded by volunteers. This was a difficult task, as the building is located in a large and easily accessible area. The barricades participants guarded the direct approaches to the building, as well as blocked the Salu bridge at night. From the Daugava side, the LTV center was guarded by three fishing boats. Remaining intact during the barricades, the LTV building was invaded by paratroopers of the USSR Army and members of the OMON unit during the August 1991 coup. After it was captured on August 19 at 7:30 p.m., the TV stopped broadcasting, but resumed its work after the coup failed and after the Soviet paratroopers left the LTV building on August 21 at 7:45 p.m.