Kristi Kongi and Krista Mölder in Tallinn Art Hall

18.12.2021 — 06.03.2022

Kristi Kongi and Krista Mölder in Tallinn Art Hall

The exhibition … and Other Shades of Light at Tallinn Art Hall brings together artists Kristi Kongi and Krista Mölder. Light plays a special role in both artists’ works, which combine in a unique constellation in this exhibition. The exhibition will be open from Saturday, 18 December.

Both Kristi Kongi (b. 1985) and Krista Mölder (b. 1972) have attracted international attention and earned countless awards, and they are among the brightest ambassadors of Estonian art. Here they are together for the first time in front of their home audience.

“Colours, their flicker, variability and sensual influence play important roles in the work of both artists, with one of them preferring unworldly vibrant colours, while the other favouring subdued Nordic tones,” says Siim Preiman, the curator of the exhibition. “The trail of thought of both artists begins with a spatial experience. They both can create immersive art spaces, as well as flat hanging rectangular objects. Each visitor to the exhibition can discover for themselves whether this get-together is pleasantly harmonious or excitingly dissonant.”

More info

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

Kristi Kongi and Krista Mölder in Tallinn Art Hall

Saturday 18 December, 2021 — Sunday 06 March, 2022

The exhibition … and Other Shades of Light at Tallinn Art Hall brings together artists Kristi Kongi and Krista Mölder. Light plays a special role in both artists’ works, which combine in a unique constellation in this exhibition. The exhibition will be open from Saturday, 18 December.

Both Kristi Kongi (b. 1985) and Krista Mölder (b. 1972) have attracted international attention and earned countless awards, and they are among the brightest ambassadors of Estonian art. Here they are together for the first time in front of their home audience.

“Colours, their flicker, variability and sensual influence play important roles in the work of both artists, with one of them preferring unworldly vibrant colours, while the other favouring subdued Nordic tones,” says Siim Preiman, the curator of the exhibition. “The trail of thought of both artists begins with a spatial experience. They both can create immersive art spaces, as well as flat hanging rectangular objects. Each visitor to the exhibition can discover for themselves whether this get-together is pleasantly harmonious or excitingly dissonant.”

More info

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

10.02.2022 — 07.03.2022

“A Visitor” Alev / Suvi / Purtsak in Hobusepea Gallery


The co-exhibition “A Visitor” by EKA painting alumni Eero Alev, Marleen Suvi and Brenda Purtsak to be opened today 6 PM in Hobusepea gallery. 

I don’t know what it feels to be dead, said a six-year-old girl to her father once. Her father listened, pondered, and remembered – neither did he know, but he yearned to. First, these twenty something thousand days given to us seem to last forever, but the more one moves along the axis, the days grow considerably shorter. We have a beginning and we have an end. Our visiting hours are limited and at some point, even without knowing it, we will leave all this behind. What did we find? Were we searching for something at all? How much did we ask and what did we give?

We arrive from somewhere we remember nothing about, and we are going somewhere we know nothing about.

Exhibition will stay open until March 7, 2022.

More info on Facebook

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

“A Visitor” Alev / Suvi / Purtsak in Hobusepea Gallery


Thursday 10 February, 2022 — Monday 07 March, 2022

The co-exhibition “A Visitor” by EKA painting alumni Eero Alev, Marleen Suvi and Brenda Purtsak to be opened today 6 PM in Hobusepea gallery. 

I don’t know what it feels to be dead, said a six-year-old girl to her father once. Her father listened, pondered, and remembered – neither did he know, but he yearned to. First, these twenty something thousand days given to us seem to last forever, but the more one moves along the axis, the days grow considerably shorter. We have a beginning and we have an end. Our visiting hours are limited and at some point, even without knowing it, we will leave all this behind. What did we find? Were we searching for something at all? How much did we ask and what did we give?

We arrive from somewhere we remember nothing about, and we are going somewhere we know nothing about.

Exhibition will stay open until March 7, 2022.

More info on Facebook

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

18.02.2022

EKA Research Cafe: What do urbanists do?

EKA Research Cafe:

What do urbanists do? From urban research to practice

Urban Studies have been taught at the Estonian Academy of Arts for sixteen years, 48 students have altogether received a master’s degree. Urbanists educated in Estonia work in research, in public and private sectors, here and all over the world. We invite you to take part in an evening of discussions where we will explore expressions of this interdisciplinary speciality situated at the border of theory and practice and talk about what do urbanists do.

We ask, what are the most relevant research directions on the field today, is there anything specific about Estonian Urbanism and what is the role of the urban studies curriculum in understanding and developing the field.

The head of the curriculum, Prof. Maroš Krivý will talk about his own research, including Marie Skłodowska-Curie early stage researcher grant for contemporary urban history. Lecturers Keiti Kljavin and Kaija-Luisa Kurik will give an insight into their practices as educators and urbanists. Additionally, Mattias Malk and Sean Tyler, both PhD students of urban studies, will join the discussion.

 

We offer coffee and snacks!

The event is in English.

 

The event is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

EKA Research Cafe: What do urbanists do?

Friday 18 February, 2022

EKA Research Cafe:

What do urbanists do? From urban research to practice

Urban Studies have been taught at the Estonian Academy of Arts for sixteen years, 48 students have altogether received a master’s degree. Urbanists educated in Estonia work in research, in public and private sectors, here and all over the world. We invite you to take part in an evening of discussions where we will explore expressions of this interdisciplinary speciality situated at the border of theory and practice and talk about what do urbanists do.

We ask, what are the most relevant research directions on the field today, is there anything specific about Estonian Urbanism and what is the role of the urban studies curriculum in understanding and developing the field.

The head of the curriculum, Prof. Maroš Krivý will talk about his own research, including Marie Skłodowska-Curie early stage researcher grant for contemporary urban history. Lecturers Keiti Kljavin and Kaija-Luisa Kurik will give an insight into their practices as educators and urbanists. Additionally, Mattias Malk and Sean Tyler, both PhD students of urban studies, will join the discussion.

 

We offer coffee and snacks!

The event is in English.

 

The event is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

17.02.2022 — 05.03.2022

Young Sculptor Award Exhibition 2022

Noore Skulptori Preemianäitus

The Young Sculptor Award Exhibition 2022, organized by the Department of Sculpture and Installation of the Estonian Academy of Arts, will be opened in the ARS Project Room on Thursday, February 17 at 4 pm.

The aim of the Young Sculptor Award and the accompanying exhibition, which has been awarded since 2012, is to highlight and recognize the professional activities of young artists engaged in sculpture and installation. There is a selection of works completed by EKA students over the past year, from which a jury of experts selects the best. The winners will be announced at the opening of the exhibition on February 17.

The main prize of YSAE 2022 is a one-month opportunity to work and improve oneself in Maajaam creative residency in Southern Estonia.

Simultaneously with the Prize Exhibition, the personal exhibition “Wrap Me Up” of the 2021 Young Sculptor Prize winner Sarah Nõmm will be opened in the ARS Showroom gallery.

The Young Sculptor Award has previously been awarded to Hanna Piksarv, Sten Saarits, Anna Mari Liivrand, Johannes Valdma, Rosa Violetta Grötsch, Johannes Luik, Siim Elmers and Sarah Nõmm.

Participating artists: Zody Burke, Sophie Durand, Heleliis Hõim, Sandra Ernits, Loora Kaubi, Inessa Saarits, Jonathan Stavleau, Karoliine Lausing, Lisette Lepik, Laura Liventaal, Johannes Luik, Katariin Mudist, Aleksandra Sofia Helena Nyyssönen, Rebeca Parbus, Laura Taylor Tehan, Triin Türnpuu, Junny Yeung.

The exhibition is open until March 5, every day from 2–8 pm.

ARS Kunstilinnak, Pärnu mnt. 154

Supported by the Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonian Cultural Endowment, ARS Project Room, Estonian Artists’ Union.

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

Young Sculptor Award Exhibition 2022

Thursday 17 February, 2022 — Saturday 05 March, 2022

Noore Skulptori Preemianäitus

The Young Sculptor Award Exhibition 2022, organized by the Department of Sculpture and Installation of the Estonian Academy of Arts, will be opened in the ARS Project Room on Thursday, February 17 at 4 pm.

The aim of the Young Sculptor Award and the accompanying exhibition, which has been awarded since 2012, is to highlight and recognize the professional activities of young artists engaged in sculpture and installation. There is a selection of works completed by EKA students over the past year, from which a jury of experts selects the best. The winners will be announced at the opening of the exhibition on February 17.

The main prize of YSAE 2022 is a one-month opportunity to work and improve oneself in Maajaam creative residency in Southern Estonia.

Simultaneously with the Prize Exhibition, the personal exhibition “Wrap Me Up” of the 2021 Young Sculptor Prize winner Sarah Nõmm will be opened in the ARS Showroom gallery.

The Young Sculptor Award has previously been awarded to Hanna Piksarv, Sten Saarits, Anna Mari Liivrand, Johannes Valdma, Rosa Violetta Grötsch, Johannes Luik, Siim Elmers and Sarah Nõmm.

Participating artists: Zody Burke, Sophie Durand, Heleliis Hõim, Sandra Ernits, Loora Kaubi, Inessa Saarits, Jonathan Stavleau, Karoliine Lausing, Lisette Lepik, Laura Liventaal, Johannes Luik, Katariin Mudist, Aleksandra Sofia Helena Nyyssönen, Rebeca Parbus, Laura Taylor Tehan, Triin Türnpuu, Junny Yeung.

The exhibition is open until March 5, every day from 2–8 pm.

ARS Kunstilinnak, Pärnu mnt. 154

Supported by the Estonian Academy of Arts, Estonian Cultural Endowment, ARS Project Room, Estonian Artists’ Union.

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

11.02.2022

“Displaced Time” book presentation in Lugemik

The presentation of the book “Displaced Time” on February 11 at 6 pm in Lugemik book shop. 

Compiled by Aap Tepper and Annika Toots
Graphic design: Kert Viiart and Carl-Robert Kagge
Publisher: National Archives of Estonia

The book “Displaced Time” deals with the dark potential of archives, focusing on the restricted collections and classified archival materials that existed during the Soviet period. The book is based on Aap Tepper’s exhibition project “Displaced Time: 10 Photographs from Restricted Collections”, which was held at the Film Archives of the National Archives in 2018, and used nature and landscape photography to reveal how the Soviet authorities used archives as a repressive mechanism.

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

“Displaced Time” book presentation in Lugemik

Friday 11 February, 2022

The presentation of the book “Displaced Time” on February 11 at 6 pm in Lugemik book shop. 

Compiled by Aap Tepper and Annika Toots
Graphic design: Kert Viiart and Carl-Robert Kagge
Publisher: National Archives of Estonia

The book “Displaced Time” deals with the dark potential of archives, focusing on the restricted collections and classified archival materials that existed during the Soviet period. The book is based on Aap Tepper’s exhibition project “Displaced Time: 10 Photographs from Restricted Collections”, which was held at the Film Archives of the National Archives in 2018, and used nature and landscape photography to reveal how the Soviet authorities used archives as a repressive mechanism.

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

02.02.2022 — 31.03.2022

NART exhibition: “Narva Väike Valgus”

Narva Art Residency (NART) in cooperation with MTÜ Valgusklubi brings light installations to the Kreenholm district of Narva. The exhibition is located in the immediate vicinity of NART and contains five large-scale works. “Narva Väike Valgus” changes the mood and landscape of the Kreenholm area and gives it a new look. The exhibition runs from the beginning of February to the end of March and is equipped with video surveillance.

The open-air exhibition features works by Estonian artists and students of the Estonian Academy of Arts: “Peal(t)kiri” (Elo Liiv, Alyona Movko, Taavi Suisalu), “Mis on siin, see on seal” (Elo Liiv), “Galerii maht on täis” (Anna-Maria Vaino, Aivar Vaino), “Latern”
(Janne Lias), “Klaaspilt” (Inessa Saarits, Raahel Rüütel, Sandra Ernits, Kadri Joala).

“Väike Valgus” is format of miniature exhibition of light installations created by MTÜ Valgusklubi. It offers the opportunity to take part in the art of light for different parts of Estonia and enriches the public space for local people in the dark time of the year. The main artist of the exhibition is Elo Liiv, who also was part of the team of the Tartu light festival TAVA.

Elo Liiv: “It is small but at the same time a lovely light event that fits nicely with the scape around NART. Light is magical and always brings joy to people’s eyes and hearts – which is very much needed by all of us in these difficult times. Narva is still terra incognita for me, but I am fascinated by the Art Residency and the kindness of the people here. I hope that our architectural lighting workshops will inspire the creation of the NART permanent lighting scheme and that “Väike Valgus” will be the beginning of the larger light festival in Narva. ”

As part of the project, lighting designers Marko Kuusik and Janno Siil conducted a master class in architectural lighting at the end of December, with the participation of local people. The art residency now stands out against the background of the surrounding buildings – the intriguing lighting scheme has made it possible to emphasize the architecture of the building and give a much-needed visual accent in the urban area.

The exhibition is open from Wednesday evening 02.02.2022. Another workshop took place on that day with the clients of Narva Social Work Center. They learned to draw with light and capture it in photos.

Thanks to: Eesti Kultuurkapital, MTÜ Valgusklubi, EVDA, OÜ Event Center, OÜ Kunst ja Pärimus.

Pictures of the workshops and lighting installations are HERE.
www.nart.ee

Additional information:
Johanna Rannula
Head of NART
56150154
johanna.rannula@artun.ee

Elo Liiv
Artist
5698 4477
elo@tartuvalgus.ee

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

NART exhibition: “Narva Väike Valgus”

Wednesday 02 February, 2022 — Thursday 31 March, 2022

Narva Art Residency (NART) in cooperation with MTÜ Valgusklubi brings light installations to the Kreenholm district of Narva. The exhibition is located in the immediate vicinity of NART and contains five large-scale works. “Narva Väike Valgus” changes the mood and landscape of the Kreenholm area and gives it a new look. The exhibition runs from the beginning of February to the end of March and is equipped with video surveillance.

The open-air exhibition features works by Estonian artists and students of the Estonian Academy of Arts: “Peal(t)kiri” (Elo Liiv, Alyona Movko, Taavi Suisalu), “Mis on siin, see on seal” (Elo Liiv), “Galerii maht on täis” (Anna-Maria Vaino, Aivar Vaino), “Latern”
(Janne Lias), “Klaaspilt” (Inessa Saarits, Raahel Rüütel, Sandra Ernits, Kadri Joala).

“Väike Valgus” is format of miniature exhibition of light installations created by MTÜ Valgusklubi. It offers the opportunity to take part in the art of light for different parts of Estonia and enriches the public space for local people in the dark time of the year. The main artist of the exhibition is Elo Liiv, who also was part of the team of the Tartu light festival TAVA.

Elo Liiv: “It is small but at the same time a lovely light event that fits nicely with the scape around NART. Light is magical and always brings joy to people’s eyes and hearts – which is very much needed by all of us in these difficult times. Narva is still terra incognita for me, but I am fascinated by the Art Residency and the kindness of the people here. I hope that our architectural lighting workshops will inspire the creation of the NART permanent lighting scheme and that “Väike Valgus” will be the beginning of the larger light festival in Narva. ”

As part of the project, lighting designers Marko Kuusik and Janno Siil conducted a master class in architectural lighting at the end of December, with the participation of local people. The art residency now stands out against the background of the surrounding buildings – the intriguing lighting scheme has made it possible to emphasize the architecture of the building and give a much-needed visual accent in the urban area.

The exhibition is open from Wednesday evening 02.02.2022. Another workshop took place on that day with the clients of Narva Social Work Center. They learned to draw with light and capture it in photos.

Thanks to: Eesti Kultuurkapital, MTÜ Valgusklubi, EVDA, OÜ Event Center, OÜ Kunst ja Pärimus.

Pictures of the workshops and lighting installations are HERE.
www.nart.ee

Additional information:
Johanna Rannula
Head of NART
56150154
johanna.rannula@artun.ee

Elo Liiv
Artist
5698 4477
elo@tartuvalgus.ee

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

09.02.2022

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė Lecture: 13th Kaunas Biennial

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė Lecture: 13th Kaunas Biennial „Once Upon Another Time” – Review and Case Analysis 

09.02.2022, 4–5.30 PM, auditorium A501 

Kaunas Biennial organizer, border member Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė will present an review of the 13th Kaunas Biennial “Once Upon Another Time… gyveno jie jau kitaip” which reflects on current global situations by exploring stories of human resilience and adaptation. The exhibition investigates myths and fictions associated with transformation, as well as lived personal and communal tales of survival.The sharing of stories enables humans to connect with each other. Stories convey multiple meanings and perspectives rooted in diverse worldviews and can also link the present to the past, as well as to the future.

The lectur is open to everyone. 

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė is invited by the Textile Design Department of EKA. 

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė Lecture: 13th Kaunas Biennial

Wednesday 09 February, 2022

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė Lecture: 13th Kaunas Biennial „Once Upon Another Time” – Review and Case Analysis 

09.02.2022, 4–5.30 PM, auditorium A501 

Kaunas Biennial organizer, border member Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė will present an review of the 13th Kaunas Biennial “Once Upon Another Time… gyveno jie jau kitaip” which reflects on current global situations by exploring stories of human resilience and adaptation. The exhibition investigates myths and fictions associated with transformation, as well as lived personal and communal tales of survival.The sharing of stories enables humans to connect with each other. Stories convey multiple meanings and perspectives rooted in diverse worldviews and can also link the present to the past, as well as to the future.

The lectur is open to everyone. 

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė is invited by the Textile Design Department of EKA. 

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

07.02.2022

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė Lecture: „Pixel generation”

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė Lecture: „Pixel generation: individual artistic(al) view in Digital Jaquard weaving and collaborations“ 

09.02.2022, 4–5.30 PM in auditorium A501 

Artist,  Assoc. Prof. VAA Kaunas Faculty Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė Žaltė will introduce Textile Department student works and  herself as an artist of the jacquard weaving technology in the context of contemporary art field: the technical one (knowledge how to do this) and the conceptual one (using possibilities providedby the technique to create the desired effect of the work). 

“Textiles have an incredible ability to be alive. What I mean by this is how it communicates a sense of substance, which is intimate to every human being. A fabric can hold both physical (heat, cold, protection) and rational (recall, memory) features. Each of us uses textile everyday in one way or another. Therefore, it is a common material that allows us to combine multiple experiences, collaborations and to understand the individual person.” 

The lectur is open to everyone. 

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė is invited by the Textile Design Department of EKA.

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė Lecture: „Pixel generation”

Monday 07 February, 2022

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė Lecture: „Pixel generation: individual artistic(al) view in Digital Jaquard weaving and collaborations“ 

09.02.2022, 4–5.30 PM in auditorium A501 

Artist,  Assoc. Prof. VAA Kaunas Faculty Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė Žaltė will introduce Textile Department student works and  herself as an artist of the jacquard weaving technology in the context of contemporary art field: the technical one (knowledge how to do this) and the conceptual one (using possibilities providedby the technique to create the desired effect of the work). 

“Textiles have an incredible ability to be alive. What I mean by this is how it communicates a sense of substance, which is intimate to every human being. A fabric can hold both physical (heat, cold, protection) and rational (recall, memory) features. Each of us uses textile everyday in one way or another. Therefore, it is a common material that allows us to combine multiple experiences, collaborations and to understand the individual person.” 

The lectur is open to everyone. 

Monika Žaltauskaitė Grašienė-Žaltė is invited by the Textile Design Department of EKA.

Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

12.02.2022

Pre-review of Britta Benno’s exhibition

The pre-review of Britta Benno’s exhibition Of Becoming a Land(Scape) will take place on 12 February at 14.00 in the Tartu Art House.
Of Becoming a Land(Scape) is the third exhibition of Britta Benno’s artistic doctoral thesis.

The pre-review will be preceded by a presentation by geologist Juho Kirs on minerals, the formation of earth layers and the geology of the post-human future at 13.00.

The thesis supervisor is Dr. Elnara Taidre.
Pre-reviewers of the exhibition are Dr. Elo-Hanna Seljamaa and Dr. Linda Kaljundi.

The exhibition will be open from 22.01-20.02.2022.

 

 

Posted by Irene Hütsi — Permalink

Pre-review of Britta Benno’s exhibition

Saturday 12 February, 2022

The pre-review of Britta Benno’s exhibition Of Becoming a Land(Scape) will take place on 12 February at 14.00 in the Tartu Art House.
Of Becoming a Land(Scape) is the third exhibition of Britta Benno’s artistic doctoral thesis.

The pre-review will be preceded by a presentation by geologist Juho Kirs on minerals, the formation of earth layers and the geology of the post-human future at 13.00.

The thesis supervisor is Dr. Elnara Taidre.
Pre-reviewers of the exhibition are Dr. Elo-Hanna Seljamaa and Dr. Linda Kaljundi.

The exhibition will be open from 22.01-20.02.2022.

 

 

Posted by Irene Hütsi — Permalink

06.02.2022 — 03.04.2022

Gregor Taul curates: group exhibition Runner Along the Border, Rat Catcher and Bricklayer

On Friday, 4 February at 6 pm, the group exhibition Runner Along the Border, Rat Catcher and Bricklayer will open at the Art Hall Gallery. The exhibition has been inspired by short stories by Peet Vallak, Mehis Heinsaar and Ilmar Külvet, whose main characters are forced to set both physical and mental boundaries for an array of reasons.
The exhibition brings together artists Amie Nga Man Chan, Eike Eplik, Kristaps Epners, Hanna Samoson and Augustas Serapinas, who all deal with issues of identity in their work. Also exhibited are historical photos from the collections of the Estonian memory institutions. The curator of the exhibition is Gregor Taul.
Multimedia installations by Kristaps Epners and Amie Nga Man Chan look at an individual’s ability to cope with challenging situations. Chan’s performance reveals the zero point of life on Narva River, while Epner’s story takes the protagonist to Siberia to join the bricklayers’ brigade in the Sayan Mountains.
The video work by Hanna Samoson is based on a dream or a sense of location, in which the individual’s self becomes one with existence. Eike Eplik presents wicker and sculptures made of clay, willow and wire. On the one hand, these are obscure consumer goods that could belong to the “product catalogue” of Siim the basket weaver in Vallak’s story, or to the toolkit of the inhabitants of Soontaga Village and rat catchers from Latvia that have come to rescue them in Heinsaar’s Toomas and the Rat Catchers. On the other hand, these works reflect the idea of a body that constantly recreates itself: through manual work and passing on traditions, we form both ourselves and the culture.
The work of Augustas Serapinas has a similar sense of life: he likes to wander along the grassy Lithuanian landscapes reminiscent of the scenery in Heinsaar’s stories and collect unseen stories about everyday lives. He has brought to the exhibition a greenhouse left behind by one of the summer cottage cooperatives in Estonia. What has remained from the formerly central element of everyday life is a sad-looking wreck, like a monument to the people who once wove their lives around it.
Gregor Taul, the curator of the exhibition, says: “Although all the literary works on which the exhibition is based contain elements of magical realism, they focus on ordinary people with their daily needs and whims. In the exhibition, these characters appear as generalised images, marking the peripheral ways of being and survival strategies of society. In the works of art, the line between fiction and real-life stories is unclear, yet the archival photos feature what seem to be flesh-and-bone runners along the border, rat catchers and bricklayers.”
On Sunday, 6 February at 2 pm, curator Gregor Taul will give a guided tour at the exhibition. The Runner Along the Border, Rat Catcher and Bricklayer exhibition will be open at the Art Hall Gallery until 3 April 2022.
We would like to thank: Estonian National Museum, Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum, Department of Ceramic Art and Department of Interior Architecture of the Estonian Academy of Arts, Narva Art Residency, Tallinn City Museum, University of Tartu Museum, Old Võru County Culture House, National Archives, Ivars Gravlejs, Mehis Heinsaar, Miervaldis Kalniņš, Rein Kutsar, Henrik Nurste, Kristjan Pütsep, Epp Salulaid, Sandor Sinimeri, Christin Taul, Enriko Valk.
Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink

Gregor Taul curates: group exhibition Runner Along the Border, Rat Catcher and Bricklayer

Sunday 06 February, 2022 — Sunday 03 April, 2022

On Friday, 4 February at 6 pm, the group exhibition Runner Along the Border, Rat Catcher and Bricklayer will open at the Art Hall Gallery. The exhibition has been inspired by short stories by Peet Vallak, Mehis Heinsaar and Ilmar Külvet, whose main characters are forced to set both physical and mental boundaries for an array of reasons.
The exhibition brings together artists Amie Nga Man Chan, Eike Eplik, Kristaps Epners, Hanna Samoson and Augustas Serapinas, who all deal with issues of identity in their work. Also exhibited are historical photos from the collections of the Estonian memory institutions. The curator of the exhibition is Gregor Taul.
Multimedia installations by Kristaps Epners and Amie Nga Man Chan look at an individual’s ability to cope with challenging situations. Chan’s performance reveals the zero point of life on Narva River, while Epner’s story takes the protagonist to Siberia to join the bricklayers’ brigade in the Sayan Mountains.
The video work by Hanna Samoson is based on a dream or a sense of location, in which the individual’s self becomes one with existence. Eike Eplik presents wicker and sculptures made of clay, willow and wire. On the one hand, these are obscure consumer goods that could belong to the “product catalogue” of Siim the basket weaver in Vallak’s story, or to the toolkit of the inhabitants of Soontaga Village and rat catchers from Latvia that have come to rescue them in Heinsaar’s Toomas and the Rat Catchers. On the other hand, these works reflect the idea of a body that constantly recreates itself: through manual work and passing on traditions, we form both ourselves and the culture.
The work of Augustas Serapinas has a similar sense of life: he likes to wander along the grassy Lithuanian landscapes reminiscent of the scenery in Heinsaar’s stories and collect unseen stories about everyday lives. He has brought to the exhibition a greenhouse left behind by one of the summer cottage cooperatives in Estonia. What has remained from the formerly central element of everyday life is a sad-looking wreck, like a monument to the people who once wove their lives around it.
Gregor Taul, the curator of the exhibition, says: “Although all the literary works on which the exhibition is based contain elements of magical realism, they focus on ordinary people with their daily needs and whims. In the exhibition, these characters appear as generalised images, marking the peripheral ways of being and survival strategies of society. In the works of art, the line between fiction and real-life stories is unclear, yet the archival photos feature what seem to be flesh-and-bone runners along the border, rat catchers and bricklayers.”
On Sunday, 6 February at 2 pm, curator Gregor Taul will give a guided tour at the exhibition. The Runner Along the Border, Rat Catcher and Bricklayer exhibition will be open at the Art Hall Gallery until 3 April 2022.
We would like to thank: Estonian National Museum, Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum, Department of Ceramic Art and Department of Interior Architecture of the Estonian Academy of Arts, Narva Art Residency, Tallinn City Museum, University of Tartu Museum, Old Võru County Culture House, National Archives, Ivars Gravlejs, Mehis Heinsaar, Miervaldis Kalniņš, Rein Kutsar, Henrik Nurste, Kristjan Pütsep, Epp Salulaid, Sandor Sinimeri, Christin Taul, Enriko Valk.
Posted by Andres Lõo — Permalink