Exhibitions

Saaremaa Kunstistuudio, Lossi 5, Kuressaare, 93819, E-R 12:00 – 18:00, L 11:00 – 16:00, P Suletud
+372 453 3748, +372 511 6740, info@kunstistuudio.ee
March 17 – April 17, 2017 Saaremaa Kunstistuudio, Saaremaa, Estonia
“They are enthusiasts, devotees. Addicts. Something about the circus stirs their souls, and they ache for it when it is absent. They seek each other out, these people of such specific like mind. They tell of how they found the circus, how those first few steps were like magic. Like stepping into a fairy tale under a curtain of stars. . .when they depart, they shake hands and embrace like old friends, even if they have only just met, and as they go their separate ways they feel less alone than they had before.” Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus
Eleven international artists from the Jewelry and Blacksmithing department at the Estonian Academy of Arts, Tallinn present Tsirkus: a spectacle of contemporary jewellery and modern metal objects that simultaneously celebrate, contradict, and conjure reality and our experiences within it.
The quiet intensity and curious desires that have drawn these artists together creates an inviting milieu to seek the magic, to find the connections, to create beyond the expected. The compelling results, both collectively and individually, are radically diverse, materially deceptive, and conceptually provocative. Surprising opportunities are manifested where the corporeal becomes fantasy, the imagined becomes possible, and questions are raised though left unanswered – perhaps best left until the circus meets again.
This unique collective brought together by chance includes: Erinn M. Cox (US), Sou Inoue (JP), Alexander Kamelhair (US), Moonika Kase (EE), Triin Kukk (EE), Timmo Lember (EE), Merlin Meremaa (EE), Anneli Oppar (EE), Hansel Tai (CN), Hannes Tōnuri (EE), and Hanna-Maria Vanaküla (EE).
Tsirkus opens Friday, March 17 at 17:00 and runs through April 17, 2017.
Saaremaa Kunstistuudio | Lossi 5, Kuressaare, 93819 | E-R 12:00 – 18:00, L 11:00 – 16:00, P Suletud
+372 453 3748, +372 511 6740, info@kunstistuudio.ee

Exhibition of glass students and tutors from three Baltic Art Academies – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania ”SAKAUSĒJOT ROBEŽAS / MELTING LIMITS“ and conference of Baltic Glass Artists and Art Historians GLASS ART IN BALTIC CONTEXT: PAST, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS is held in Riga, the main exhibition hall of the Art Academy of Latvia. Organized by the Department of Glass Art of the Art Academy of Latvia, the exhibition will be on view from February 2 to 25, 2017.
The conference, held on February 3, informed the audience about the most current topics in the glass art field in Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia.

“In a world full of conflicts and jolts, in which humanism is being seriously jeopardized, art is the most precious part of the human being. It is the ideal place for reflection, individual expression, freedom and fundamental questions. It is a ‘yes’ to life, although sometimes a ‘but’ lies behind. More than ever, the role, the voice and the responsibility of the artist are crucial in the framework of contemporary debates.
Viva Arte Viva is also an exclamation, an expression of the passion for art and for the state of the artist. Viva Arte Viva is a Biennale designed with the artists, by the artists and for the artists. It deals with the forms they propose, the questions they pose, the practices they develop and the forms of life they choose.
The Exhibition also aims to be an experience, representing an extroversion movement towards the other, towards a common place and towards the most indefinable dimensions, opening the pathways to a neo-humanism.”
Christine Macel,
Curator of 57th Venice Biennale
We welcome you to a group exhibition of masters degree first year painting students of Estonian Academy of Arts. Exhibition consists of two different workshops that took place during the semester.
The title Viva Arte Viva is a reference to Venice biennale of the following year. Every artist took the phrase out of context and found an individual meaning to it.

Participating artists: Leelo-Mai Aunbaum, Tilly Davies, Nieves Felipo, Kelli Gedvil, Martyna Kosiarz, Kristen Rästas, Heidy Tiits, Inga Tsernova, Alo Valge and Katrin Valgemäe.

Tutors: Jaan Toomik and Vladimir Dubossarsky.

Opening on the 21st of December at 6pm in ARS project room (Pärnu mnt 154). Entry through the court.
Performance schedule:
18:00 Tilly Davies (“Withdraw”)
19:00 Alo Valge and guest artist Fideelia-Signe Roots (“VANN. BATHTUB. 浴缸”)
21:30 Inga Tsernova and Tilly Davies (“Painting Project 1”)
Exhibition remains open until 30th of December at 12-18.
Exhibition is closed on 24th and 25th of December.

Supported by Estonian Artists’ Association.

Kaarel Kurismaa, prof Raul Keller, Mari-Liis Rebane and Karl Saks TIMER

Art Hall Gallery
16 December 2016 – 15 January 2017

You are invited to the exhibition opening on Thursday, 15 December at 6 p.m!

At this exhibition, there are quite a few timers that tick, hum, sing or otherwise sound the time, along with four artists of various ages that measure different temporal and spatial experiences. Not that any of them are demented by youth, or infirmed by age but none of them plays their role in society in a dignified or safe way, or by dismissing challenges.

It could be said that the precondition for the existence of all four is a maximum state of openness, self-consciously keeping themselves in the developmental stage of a student rather than a professional artist. The intensity of their feelers, the purity of emotion and thought are much greater values for them than certified knowledge. In summary the four of them, despite their age differences, have achieved quite a bit: word, sound, film, dance, installation and fine art. And they have considered and held many occupations, such as caregiver, volunteer, producer, designer, instructor and musician. This all despite the belief “… that art as we know it, is over, finished. … But why worry if you can continue and go on from here. Simply take a step out into the unknown.”… (Andres Lõo, Fantoomplatvorm. Paranoia Publishing Ltd pp 35).

Raul Keller (1973) focuses primarily on site-specific sound installations, sound performance, musical improvisation, and radiophonic experiments (Andreas Trossek). He passionately indicates the limitations of physical space compared to acoustical space (Ragne Nukk) and seems somehow large and benevolent when moving toward the light making and world-creating sound, while actually hiding in the shadows.

Mari-Liis Rebane (1988) is adept at many means of self-expression, she strives to transcend genre, style and medium, by creating post-internet art counterparts to sound. Using the third person, she says the following about her video-sound installation, which is based on the rhythm of fingering prayer beads: “The author uses the motif of counting beads as a means of concentration based initially on religious cognition, which creates a hypnotic space around itself and plays with time mythology.” She seems to be somewhat complicated; she exudes restlessness and talent.

Karl Saks (1984) is an artist who does not draw a line between the crazy world and the gestures that precisely define it. He is one of the performers on the contemporary dance stage that has the most interesting bodily expression, although he himself says that “movement doesn’t engender anything in me — no good feelings at any emotional level. The only emotional bonus of movement is that it initiates thinking, and one’s thought activity and process change when one discovers oneself moving.” He is extremely sensitive; someone that accepts responsibility and resounds only as much as the situation requires.

Kaarel Kurismaa (1939) works with immobile and mobile, silent and vocal sculptural objects. He is rightly considered to be the pioneer of Estonian kinetic and sound art. In addition, he writes short stories with dislocated evolvement that excite reader´s fantasy.. His enjoyment of the quiet ticking of small machines, which somewhat shyly but persistently confirms to the world “I love you!”, unexpectedly radiate warmth and trust.

We thank: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Ministry of Culture, Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Tallinn Department of Culture, Veinisõber, Kanuti Gildi Saal, Hello Upan, Revo Koplus, Mari Kurismaa, Taavet Jansen, Madlen Hirtentreu.

Tallinn Art Hall gallery
16 December 2016 – 15 January 2017
Freedom Square 8
Wednesday–Sunday, 12pm–6pm, free admission
kunstihoone.ee

Press release by:
Tamara Luuk
tamara@kunstihoone.ee

You are cordially invited to a series of Urban Studies final semester presentations and events.

THE LAST CRASH
Urban Studies, 1st year studio final presentation (outdoors)
Tutors: Andra Aaloe, Keiti Kljavin
In-front of barbie-pink garage at Maakri 30a
7 December 2016, 10:00-17:30

More info and programme: www.facebook.com/events/592232500984744

Dear Tallinn. After this crash course, this intensive ABC of one strange little-big town in the edge of nowhere but in the centre of everything, something has changed in us. We have learned to admire every wrinkle and fold, every crook and cranny your in times turbulent past has drawn on you, the vacancies left behind by the changes of systems, and also these somewhat violent fillings of your urban fabric. We think… we may have a crush on you.
And thus we made this festival. We took one holey and haunted slice of you – Maakri and Keldrimäe subdistricts – and worked with it, dug deeper in, just to learn to read the fractures in you, learn to accept them, and… love. We hope everyone will come to see our display of affection, the festival called Last crash, where we’ll perform, install, present, exhibit, lecture and walk through physical and idea spaces of Maakri and Keldrimäe.
Because it is you, Tallinn, dark and bleak Northern capital we’ve lost our hearts to.

THE AWKWARD AGENCY
Art & City, final exhibition
Tutor: Mattias Malk
Rävala puiestee 8, follow the signs
7 December 2016, 19:00 (doors open at 18:30)

More info: www.facebook.com/events/747270955425827

The birth of intimacy is often awkward. In search for a more intimate awareness of and a better sensibility to what Tallinn has to offer as a city, urbanists and creatives of all walks of life embarked on a two-day journey. It led them out of the city, out of the county and for brief glimpses out of the respective comfort zones of the participants. In the search to act on their right to the city they now seek your attention. The exhibition will showcase the results of the walk as well as expand on the idea of awkwardness and sociability in and around urban environments.

THE NEW POWER GRID
Urban Studies, 2nd year studio final presentation (indoors)
Tutor: Kaie Kuldkepp / Co-tutor: Han Dijk
Estonian Academy of Arts, Department of Architecture, Pikk tn 20, 3rd floor
8 December 2016, 10:00-14:00

An electric grid network occupies a linear strip of land, cross-secting a city. What will happen to this strip once the grid is put underground? This is a future challenge in Tallinn. What are the opportunities for developing public spaces and enhancing urban fringes?

STRATEGIES FOR A HEALTHY CITY
Lecture by Han Dijk (Posad, NL)
Estonian Academy of Arts, Department of Architecture, Pikk tn 20, 3rd floor, main lecture hall
8 December 2016, 18:00

More info: www.facebook.com/events/582952211900027

Han Dijk is a teacher in urban design at the Academie of Bouwkunst in Rotterdam and is guest lecturer in different universities in the Netherlands and abroad. Han worked as spatial designer on large city planning assignments with an international context in Antwerp (Belgium) Sao Paulo (Brasil), Warsaw (Poland) and for UN Habitat in Yangon (Myanmar)

The EAA Department of Animation is celebrating its 10th anniversary and we are happy to invite you to join our birthday party on November 18th at 6 pm at the BFM Nova building, Narva mnt 27, 4th floor at the animation department.
6 pm
– Croquis by Kristjan Holm, the legendary animation student and current lecturer at the Department of Interior Architecture
– GIF workshop by Sander Joon, a recent graduate and awarded animation director.
6 pm
– Presentation of the new DVD and screening of the best student films from the 10 legendary years of the animation department. Free entry.
7 pm
– Cake and Turkish coffee, brewed by the animation fan and Artistic Director of ЭТО experimental lab, Aleksey Savinsky aka Mr Vuu from St. Petersburg.
Magusaid unenägusid ja tere tulemast animatsiooni osakonda!!!
PS. There will be several open lectures and presentations in celebration of the same event at BFM, check out at www.anima.ee

Exhibition “Encounter Estonian Design. An Introduction”

Exhibited designs:
Anna von Maydell / Atelier für Kunstgewerbe, A.M. Luther furniture factory, J. Lorup glass factory, E. Taska workshop, Tarbeklaas, Standard, Estoplast, Kunst ja Kodu, Tallinna Ehituskeraamikatehas, Kunstitoodete Kombinaat, Punane Ret, Salvo, Ruum ja Vorm, Martin Pärn, Tarmo Luisk, Veiko Liis, Jaanus Orgusaar, Kärt Ojavee, Raili Keiv, Keha3, HUUM, Iseasi, Scheckmann, Kärt Põldmann, Marit Ilison, Warm North, Johanna Tammsalu, Monika Järg, Anton Koovit, Kelpman Textile, etc.

Curator: Kai Lobjakas, Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design

On 29 September, an overview of the history of Estonian design curated by the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design will be opened in Tartmus. It concentrates on the most important aspects and trends in Estonian design. For Tartmus, this is the first overview of Estonian design. “Encounter Estonian Design. An Introduction” will remain open until 1 January 2017.

Over the last decades the various aspects and layers of Estonian design have been thoroughly researched. Design, like most other labels and ideas with a prolonged history, has been redefined to reflect the needs of any era. The rise of new meanings, however, has meant that understanding design has become harder and some of the newer definitions might not be compatible with the older ones. To some, “design” might mean a specific technical detail or an especially valuable chair, but others might define it as life altering innovation. This raises the questions: is design an object or a service, visible or invisible, a product, a unique item or an idea?

The spatial and temporal borders have also been changing. The history of design either begins with human civilization, with the industrialization period of the end of the 18th century, or with the years following the Second World War. All of these definitions, however, see design as a means of change – either for a group or an individual. It makes life easier, safer and happier.

Although Estonians have participated in the creation of many important design solutions – like the spy camera Minox or the communication platform Skype – our design has been historically associated with light industry and everyday life.

The Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design has used the last 15 years to map the local design landscape and to place its history into context. With new information, the idea of Estonian cultural heritage has grown. The present exhibition is based on this research and connects the history of design with contemporary ideas. Using a selection of examples that have been considered the most prominent of their time, it contextualizes the Estonian design landscape and reveals the various aspects that are its most distinguishing characteristics.

An educational programme for various age groups will accompany the exhibition. More information at www.tartmus.ee

Pseudo
22 September – 30 October at the Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM)
Vernissage on Wednesday 21 September at 6pm
Artists: Dénes Farkas & Taavi Talve, Dora García, Flo Kasearu, Jevgeni Zolotko, Kristiina Hansen & Sigrid Viir, Neeme Külm
There is no beginning. I was begotten – just like you – and since then I’ve been lumbered.
Émile Ajar > Paul Pavlovich > Romain Gary, Pseudo
These are the first lines from a novel titled Pseudo (translated: Hocus Bogus), written in 1976 by French author Émile Ajar, drawing only modest attention during the time. This novel could be taken as pseudo-autobiographical writing by Émile Ajar. Pseudo was his third work, which was published a year after prix Goncourt winning The Life Before Us. Émile Ajar was Romain Gary’s pseudonym. For Gary, this was the second time to win a prize that could not be won twice. With increased media attention Gary asked his cousin Paul Pavlowitch to impersonate Émile Ajar. Pseudo is a novel written by Romain Gary, impersonating Paul Pavlowitch, in order to prove that Paul Pavlowitch was Émile Ajar, and it worked, but the exhibition does not speak of that.
This exhibition does not speak the language we understand, similarly to the protagonist of the novel Pseudo, who tries to avoid any connection to the context. The exhibition does not speak English, “but not well enough”. We still comprehend something, or at least apprehend, even if there is no speaking taking place.
Of course straightforwardness does not exist here. There is nothing given, nothing stated, except for this very thing here. But here one can sense universality, topicality as well as obscurity; the construction of parallel realities, which might seem more real than everyday or identically lukewarm; stagings, portraits and renditions caught in between graveness and absurdity, that are playful and rigorously composed at the same time; things that do not accommodate, that are searching for an exit, that wish to detach themselves, that would fit elsewhere; an exhibition that is pseudo, and tries to be a whole, while at least consisting of wholes.
Curator: Marten Esko
Graphic design: Allan Appelberg
Supporters: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Ministry of Culture, Draka Keila Cables AS
More info:
www.ekkm.ee
info@ekkm.ee
www.facebook.com/ekkmtallinn/

On 29 September, the exhibition “Who Creates the City?” asks who has shaped the urban environment of Tartu, for what reasons and with what resources and results. Three galleries introduce the activities and spatial outcomes of the city government, the developers and the citizen activists. The fourth contains contemporary visual and textual works representing the notable locations of Tartu and shaping the face of the town. The exhibition is curated by the architectural historian Pille Epner and co-curated by architect Kaja Pae. “Who Creates the City?” will remain open until 4 December.

The aim of the exhibition is to look at the town from the viewpoint of different participating groups. The intelligent development of urban environment is determined by the visions of various participants, their ability to carry out dialogues and to achieve co-operation. We can create a better city together by understanding what possibilities and means for developing the urban space are held by the city government, the real estate developers and the citizens themselves.

The exhibition offers a map for an active citizen, an overview of designs for public spaces and shows architectural objects that understand their context. Glimpses of the mysterious edges of Tartu that shape the atmosphere in the town in their own hidden ways can also be found. In addition, 15 interviews representing various relevant groups are displayed, including architects and officials who plan the town, real estate developers and citizen activists.

According to the curators, the exhibition concentrates on the most important processes and initiatives that shape the urban environment of Tartu. “Over the last years, a heated discussion has been carried out asking critical questions about a high-quality urban environment that would follow the historic traditions of Tartu. On the one hand, it is a sign that a more thorough approach to urban planning is needed, on the other it also suggests that the different parties are prepared to hold dialogues.”

The exhibition is accompanied by a map for an urban connoisseur that introduces the contemporary architecture of Tartu and shows the ways off the beaten path.

Between June 10 to 20, 2016 in Nida Art Colony stdents of glass and ceramics specialties from Estonian, Latvian and Vilnius (Lithuanian) Academies of Art are working with several media to research, visualize and find solutions to problems connected with WATER. In most approaches the issue of clean water, its endangered situation and several ecological and social problems have come up. The event will be concluded with an exhibition starting on June 17 in the Nida Art Colony.