Neeme Külm, Kunstilise sekkumise kavand. 2024
On Friday, 14 November, at 1 PM, everyone is invited to the opening of the recontextualisation of the Tehumardi Memorial. This is the first Soviet Second World War monument in Estonia to go through extensive reframing. The project has been realised in cooperation with the Estonian Academy of Arts, Tallinn University, and the National Heritage Board.
Unveiled in 1967 (authors: Riho Kuld, Matti Varik, Allan Murdmaa), the monument and its surrounding area have now been given a new meaning. Last summer, the remains of soldiers were reburied and part of the memorial was removed. The remaining monument, which still bears Soviet symbolism, has now received a contemporary reinterpretation by artist Neeme Külm, winner of the design competition. In addition, new information boards have been installed to tell the story of the battle, the monument itself, and the ways in which the remembrance of Tehumardi has been shaped and reshaped over the decades.
At 2 PM, a gathering with short presentations will follow at Kuressaare Cultural Centre (Tallinna Street 6). Speakers include Jüri-Martin Lepp (National Heritage Board), Kristo Nurmis (Tallinn University), Kirke Kangro (Estonian Academy of Arts), and Neeme Külm. Sculptor Riho Kuld will contribute a video greeting.
The recontextualisation of the memorial has been carried out in collaboration between the Estonian Academy of Arts, Tallinn University, the project How to Reframe Monuments, Saaremaa Municipality and the National Heritage Board.