Katariin Mudist and Keithy Kuuspu “Unfortunately You Were Not Selected This Time”

You are invited to the opening of Katariin Mudist and Keithy Kuuspu exhibition “Unfortunately You Were Not Selected This Time” on Friday, 31 January at 6 p.m. in the large gallery of the Tartu Art House.

Register for the art bus to the exhibition opening HERE.

Katariin Mudist’s and Keithy Kuuspu’s exhibition at the Tartu Art House explores the multifaceted phenomenon of giving and receiving awards, delving into the dynamics of recognition within the art world and beyond.

Awards serve as social validation, reinforcing the legitimacy and value of individuals or organisations. From gold stars given to children for good behaviour to lifetime achievement honours, these tokens fulfil a fundamental human need: to feel seen, special and acknowledged. However, this recognition often comes with unintended consequences, fostering competition, comparison and a goal-oriented approach to life. Does praise motivate improvement, or does it become a burden, creating expectations and pressure that hinder future efforts?

“Unfortunately You Were Not Selected This Time” examines the cyclical nature of recognition, while wryly remaining entangled in these very dynamics. Keithy and Katariin were selected for this exhibition and received funding to implement it. In turn, they chose artists to create trophies and invited directors to distribute them. Who gets to choose, and who is chosen? What lies behind recognition, and what are its broader political and psychological implications?

The show is divided into three distinct spaces: “The Room of Recognition”, “The Room of Awards” and “The Room of the Commission”. Each room tackles different aspects of recognition, using a variety of media and strategies to engage with the theme. A network of exchanges and collaborations is woven throughout the exhibition. Artists conducted interviews with individuals from various fields, including art, literature and sports,
gathering diverse perspectives on the meaning of recognition. Their process expanded to include volunteers who participated in carving chairs and creating the photo series. Finally,
they invited 25 artists to contribute trophies, each celebrating a unique concept. These trophies will be awarded during a public, ininerant performative Awards Gala on 1 March, when five theatre directors will select the winners and distribute the prizes.

Exhibition team:
Exhibition designer and technical help: Alden Jõgisuu
Texts: Laura Cemin
Graphic design: Katariin Mudist
Videographer: Kai Jürimäe
Performance dramaturgy: Keithy Kuuspu and Katariin Mudist

Interviewees: Anu Vahtra, Elo Vahtrik, Elina Masing, Kaarin Kivirähk, Karli Luik, Kreete Verlin, Tõnu Õnnepalu, Urmas Lüüs and Annely Köster.
Award-making artists:
Ingrid Allik, Arvi Anderson, Yvette Bathgate and Jake Shepherd, Zody Burke, Alexei Gordin, Ulvi Haagensen, Tõnis Jürgens, Edith Karlson, Lauri Kilusk, KIWA, Stina Leek, Kris Lemsalu, Anna Mari Liivrand, Laura Linsi, Johannes Luik, Angela Maasalu, Maarja Mäemets, Eke Ao Nettan, Kärt Ojavee, Pelle Org, Anumai Raska, Sander Raudsepp, Taavi Teevet, Marta Vaarik and Kristina Õllek.

Awards Gala directors:
Sveta Grigorjeva, Henri Hütt, Kertu Moppel, Liisa Saaremäel and Oksana Tralla.

Thank you to all the woodcarvers:
Teresa de Andrade, Markus Andreas Auling, Sylvia Burgess, Lilian Maasik, Kristel Jakobson, Juulia Aleksandra Mikson, Sandra Mirka, Eva Nava, Hendrik Ojaveer, Karl-Hendrik Pallo, Teresa RA, Maria Elise Remme, Kristina Sepp,
Rin Togo, Kristi Vendelin, Elin Viisileht, Marce Garcia Viisileht, Anett Vähi, Ethel Ütsmüts;
Photographers of “Important Rooms”: Liisi Aibel, Iris Areda, Kirke Asandi, Gregor Alaküla, Eliisa Matsalu-Alaküla, Valeriya Ferschel, Indrek Grigor, Saara Liis Jõerand, Kristin Kaasik, Elin Kard, Sander Koit, Paul Kuimet, Janeli Kuusemets, Martin Kuusk, Indrek Köster, Johannes Luik, Magdaleena Maasik, Rene Nõmmik, Liisi Kõuhkna, Kristina Milbach, Ann Mäekivi, Karmen Otu, Erik Peterson, Liina Plaado, Alana Proosa, Maarja Eliisabet Roosalu, Evelin Saul-Rämonen, Kristina Sepp, Maret Tamme, Oksana Tralla, Aleksander Tsapov, Kadi-Ell Tähiste, Kristi Vendelin, Mats ja Maris Viisileht, Helen Västrik and special thanks to Lauri Eltermaa, Måns Fridlizius Lindberg, Chloé Geinoz, Johanna Mudist, Terje Mudist, Eva Nava, Kristiina Tinnu Tang, Taavi Tetlov, Mae Variksoo, Liis-Marleen Verilaskja, Elin Viisileht, Alan Voodla, Mart Vainre, Anett Vähi, Kauss Arhitektuur, Koosseis, Tallinna Kergejõustikuhall, Eesti Kunstiakadeemia, Von Krahli Teater, Kanuti Gildi SAAL, Sõltumatu Tantsu Lava ja Tartu Kunstimaja.

The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Põhjala Brewery, Punch drinks, Pühaste and Leibur.

The exhibition is open 31 January – 2 March 2025