Overview

Sculpture is a spatial or three-dimensional work of art, whose main means of expression are form, volume and material. While traditionally the dominant materials were stone, wood and bronze, today, with the expansion of the concept of sculpture, the choice of materials is essentially unlimited. Everything from natural to synthetic man-made materials is used. Modern sculpture can also be soft, light, flowing or shape-changing over time, made of textiles, clay or found objects.

Also, in addition to the previously common sculptural techniques – modeling, material removal (stone carving) or construction, many new techniques arising from the material itself are in use. Therefore, the concept of sculpture today cannot be linked to specifically mentioned techniques, materials or objects. Rather, it is a field of activity that is constantly changing, offering essentially unlimited freedom to artistic expression, which is very far from the cumbersome monumentality that is sometimes erroneously attributed to it. Today, we can talk about sculptural and installation art as the most common type of art in public space, in addition to architecture, both of which shape the everyday environment around us to a large extent.

Installation

Installation art, which took shape in dialogue with sculpture in the second half of the last century, is largely based on the space in which the partial objects that make up the whole of the work are placed with each other, with the space and with the viewer who experiences it. This special way of viewing and experiencing gives the viewer the opportunity to move in the environment created by the artist, in the space of the created work itself. The elements of such space creation can be sculptural objects, found materials, architectural details as well as sound and light.

News and events

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Young Sculptor Prize Exhibition 2026 | Metamorphosis

Artists: Rover Indigo Bertels-Andréa, Þórey Björk Halldórsdóttir, Denis Kudrjašov, Ivor Mikker, Daniil Musesovs, Elise Marie Olesk, Kertu Rannula, Lotta Karoliina Räsänen, Éric-Olivier Thériault, Kail Timusk, Lume Tuum, Elo Vahtrik, Ats-Anton Varustin, Maria Wrang-Rasmussen Metamorphosis – simultaneous disintegration and formation; melting, bending, flowing, estrangement from function. ...
EKA Kotzebue 2 Tõnu Tunnel 0

The Winners of the Estonian Academy of Arts’ Monumental Art Grant Competition Have Been Selected!

The EKA Monumental Art Grant competition sought a publicly enriching work of art for the outdoor space between the EKA buildings on Kotzebue Street and the Kotzebue 2 lot. The work had to be suitable for the given environment in terms of both material choice and thematic approach. The competition received four applications. The jury decided to award two grants in the amount of 3,000 euros to ...
Kati Saarits, Instructed Ideals 2024 foto Ako Allik

The Nominees for the 2026 Young Sculptor Prize Have Been Announced

A total of 26 works by individual artists were submitted to the 2026 Young Sculptor Price competition organised by the Installation and Sculpture Department of the Estonian Academy of Arts. From these, the exhibition jury selected 14 works. The nominees are Rover Indigo Bertels-Andréa, Thórey Halldórsdóttir, Denis Kudrjašov, Ivor Mikker, Daniil Musesovs, Elise Marie Olesk, Kertu Rannula, ...
050_We Need More Indoor Spaces at EKA Gallery_photo by August Kilmi

“We Need More Indoor Spaces” at EKA Gallery 9.01.–15.02.2026

WE NEED MORE INDOOR SPACES Ground floor of EKA Gallery 9.01.–15.02.2026 Open Tue–Sat 12–6 pm Sun 12–4 pm, free entry Opening: Thursday, January 8 at 6 pm The group exhibition “We Need More Indoor Spaces” is catalysed by the moving process of Krulli Skate Hall, bringing together local and international artists from Tallinn’s skateboard scene, framing skateboarding as an art form. The makers of ...
Asmus Soodla teos Foto Elo Vahtrik

Young Sculptor Prize 2026 Open Call

Installation and Sculpture Department of EKA announces Young Sculptor Prize competition for 2026. The competition will be held in two stages - consultation and final round. The purpose of the consultation round is to provide feedback, recommendations for further work and practical advice on implementation based on initial concept designs. No selective decisions are made based on ...
001_selection_opening of Compose Decompose_photo by Odie Lap Chun Chow

Gallery: opening and performance at the group exhibition “compose◠decompose” at EKA Gallery

The group exhibition “compose◠decompose” was opened at EKA Gallery on Thursday, October 30. The exhibition will remain open until November 30. A performance by Albertina Tevajärvi was carried out by Pääsu Liis Kens and Marta Jamsja at the opening. Participating artists: Alexis Brancaz, Albertina Tevajärvi, Alma Bektas, Augustas Lapinskas & Ditiya Ferdous, Freyja Tralla & Kassandra ...
TV Root Tooters

“Root Tooters “

On May 27 from 15:00 to 19:00, an abstract-form-melodic* expedition will take place in the garden of Ööbiku 19, where life forms, perspectives, and fields converge. *abstract, formal and melodic   In the garden, things clink and clatter, everyone has their own dance and whistle. Each with their own character and their own sense of humor. Some seek shelter from the outside, some seek vastness ...
maraton ajatu 2

Fine Arts Assessment Marathon 30.04.–20.05.2025

Fine Arts Assessment Marathon 30.04.–20.05.2025 The spring assessment marathon is here! For three weeks, you can once again experience works produced by students in the Faculty of Fine Arts as their term projects are presented: every day there will be a fresh showcase of university students’ works on display. Works in animation, contemporary art, installation and sculpture, painting, ...