Defended Doctoral Theses
2024
Gregor Taul
Monumentality Trouble. Monumental-Decorative Art in Late Soviet Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (Sekeldused monumentaalsusega. Monumentaal-dekoratiivkunst hilisnõukogude Eestis, Lätis ja Leedus
Supervisor: Dr. Anu Allas
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture
Nina Stener Jørgensen
Participation as Data? Architecture and Cybernetics in Europe around 1968 (Osalus kui andmed? Arhitektuur ja küberneetika Euroopas 1968. aasta paiku)
Supervisor: Prof. Maroš Krivy
Curriculum: Architecture and Urban Planning
2023
Mariann Raisma
The Power of the Museum. Shaping Collective Memory in Estonia during the Turning Points of the 20th Century
Supervisors: Prof. Linda Kaljundi (Estonian Academy of Arts), Dr. Anneli Randla (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Opponent: Dr. Anu Kannike (Estonian National Museum)
Curriculum: Conservation and Heritage Protection
Arife Dila Demir
Extended [Textile] Soma: Somaesthetics of Bodily Discomforts
Supervisors: Prof. Nithikul Nimkulrat (OCAD University), Dr. Kristi Kuusk (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Opponent: Dr. Claudia Núñez-Pacheco (Umeå University)
Curriculum: Art and Design
Britta Benno
Supervisor: Dr. Elnara Taidre
Opponent: Dr. Elo-Hanna Seljamaa (University of Tartu)
Curriculum: Art and Design
Anders Härm
(Allumatud kehad. Radikaalsed performatiivsed praktikad 20. ja 21. sajandi kunstis ja kultuuris)
Pre-reviewers: Dr. Madli Pesti (Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre), Dr. Jaak Tomberg (University of Tartu).
Opponent: Dr. Madli Pesti
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture
2022
Roemer van Toorn
Making Architecture Politically. From Fresh Conservatism to Aesthetics as a Form of Politics
Pre-reviewers: Prof. Panu Lehtovuori (Tampere University of Technology), Prof. Arie Graafland
Opponent: Prof. Arie Graafland
Curriculum: Architecture and Urban Planning
2021
Rait Rosin
(Sotsiaalne kunst kui ühiskondlike normide kasvulava: kunstnike ja kunstipubliku vastastikused ootused Eesti väikelinnades)
Supervisors: Dr. Raivo Kelomees (Estonian Academy of Arts), Dr. Margus Vihalem (Tallinn University)
External reviewers: Dr. Heie Marie Treier (Tallinn University), Dr. Elo-Hanna Seljamaa (University of Tartu)
Opponent: Dr. Heie Marie Treier
Curriculum: Art and Design
Greta Koppel
Farewell to Connoisseurship? The Work of Art in the Focus of Art Historical Research
(Hüvasti, konossöörlus? Kunstiteos kui kunstiajaloolise uurimise kese)
Supervisor: Prof. Krista Kodres (Estonian Academy of Arts)
External reviewers: Dr. Anu Mänd (Tallinn University), Dr. Jaanika Anderson (University of Tartu Museum)
Opponent: Dr. Anu Mänd
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture
Jaana Päeva
Everyday Companions. Meaning-Making Process Through Handbag Design
(Igapäevased kaaslased. Tähendusloome protsess käekotidisaini näitel)
Supervisor: Dr Nithikul Nimkulrat (OCAD University)External reviewers: Dr Rosita Nenno, Dr Malcolm Barnard (Loughborough University)
Opponent: Dr Malcolm Barnard
Curriculum: Art and Design
2020
Siim Tuksam
Modulated Modularity – from mass customisation to custom mass production
(Moduleeritud modulaarsus – masskohandamisest kohandatud masstootmiseni)
Supervisors: Dr. Renee Puusepp (Eesti Kunstiakadeemia) and Dr. Antoine Picon (Harvard University)
External reviewers: Andrew Witt (Harvard University) and Dr. John Harding (University of Reading)
Opponent: Andrew Witt
Video of the public defence on 22 December, 2020
Curriculum: Architecture and Urban Planning
Sille Pihlak
(Prototüüpides protokolle, protokollides prototüüpe: Puitarhitektuuri somaatilise modulaarsuse meetodi kujunemine)
Supervisors: Dr. Jüri Kermik (Eesti Kunstiakadeemia) and Dr. Roland Snooks (RMIT University)
External reviewers: Prof. Michael U. Hensel (Vienna University of Technology) and Dr. Jan van Schaik (RMIT University)
Opponents: Prof. Michael U. Hensel and Dr. Jan van Schaik
Video of the public defence on 21 December 2020
Curriculum: Architecture and Urban Planning
Ingrid Ruudi
Spaces of the Interregnum. Transformations in Estonian Architecture and Art, 1986–1994
(Ruumiline interreegnum. Muutused Eesti arhitektuuris ja kunstis 1986–1994)
Supervisor: Prof. Andres Kurg (Estonian Academy of Arts)
External reviewers: Prof. Vladimir Kulić (Iowa State University), Dr. Johannes Saar (University of Tartu)
Opponent: Prof. Vladimir Kulić
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture
Kristina Jõekalda
German Monuments in the Baltic Heimat? A Historiography of Heritage in the “Long Nineteenth Century
(Saksa mälestised ja Balti Heimat. Pärandi historiograafia “pikal 19. sajandil”)
Supervisors: Prof. Krista Kodres (Estonian Academy of Arts), Prof. Ulrike Plath (Tallinn University)
External reviewers: Prof. Jörg Hackmann, Dr. Ants Hein
Opponent: Prof. Jörg Hackmann (University of Szczecin; University of Greifswald)
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture
2019
Claudia Pasquero
Polycephalum: Aesthetic as a measure of ecological intelligence in Architecture and Urban Design
(Polycephalum: esteetika ja ökoloogiline intelligentsus arhitektuuris ja linnakujunduses)
Supervisors: Dr Veronika Valk (Estonian Academy of the Arts) and Prof Mario Carpo (The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London)
Pre-reviewers: Prof Dr Christopher Pierce (Londoni Arhitektuuri Assotsiatsioon) and Prof Dr Bart Lootsma (University of Innsbruck)
Opponent: Prof Dr Christopher Pierce
Video of the public defence at BAU Design College of Barcelona on the November 22nd, 2019
Curriculum: Architecture and Urban Planning
Maris Mändel
Tehiskivimaterjalid Eesti 20. sajandi arhitektuuris. Kasutuslugu ja väärtustamine
(Bricks, blocks and panels commonly used in 20th century Estonian architecture. The story of their use and value)
Supervisors: dr Mart Kalm (Estonian Academy of Arts) and dr Lembi-Merike Raado (Tallinn University of Technology)
Pre-reviewers: dr Karl Õiger (Tallinn University of Technology, School of Engineering) and dr Kurmo Konsa (University of Tartu, Institute of History and Archaeology)
Opponent: dr Karl Õiger
Curriculum: Cultural Heritage and Conservation
Kädi Talvoja
Karm stiil eesti kunstiajalookirjutuse kontekstis
(Severe Style in the Context of Estonian Art History Writing)
Supervisor: prof dr Virve Sarapik
Pre-reviewers: dr Epp Annus (Estonian Literary Museum) ja dr Anu Allas (Art Museum of Estonia)
Opponent: dr Epp Annus (Estonian Literary Museum)
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture
2018
Varvara Guljajeva
From interaction to post-participation: the disappearing role of the active participant
(Interaktsioonist osalusjärgsuseni: aktiivse osaleja kaduv roll)
Supervisors: dr Raivo Kelomees (Estonian Academy of Arts) and dr Pau Waelder (The Open University of Catalonia)
Pre-reviewers: prof dr Christa Sommerer (Interface Cultures, The University of Art and Design Linz) and prof dr Moises Mañas Carbonell (Faculty of Fine Arts, Polytechnic University of Valencia)
Opponent: prof dr Christa Sommerer (Interface Cultures, The University of Art and Design Linz)
Curriculum: Art and Design
Ülo Pikkov
Anti-Animation: Textures of Eastern European Animated Film
(Anti-animatsioon, Ida-Euroopa animatsioonfilmi eripära)
Supervisor: dr Raivo Kelomees (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: prof dr Robert Sowa (Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow) and dr Michal Bobrowski (Jagiellonian University)
Opponent: prof dr Robert Sowa (Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow)
Curriculum: Art and Design
2017
Fideelia-Signe Roots
(Woman as a Hero)
Supervisors: dr Tiina Ann Kirss (Estonia) and prof dr Katrin Kivimaa (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Consultant: Marko Mäetamm, MA (Estonia)
Pre-reviewers: dr Eve Annuk (Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu) and dr Margus Ott (Tallinn University)
Opponent: dr Eve Annuk (Estonian Literary Museum, Tartu)
Curriculum: Art and Design
Erki Kasemets
Väljaspool tavalist: pidu, prügi ja polügoonteater. Brikolaaž kui loome- ja uurimisviis
(Outside the Ordinary: Party, Garbage and Polygon Theatre. Bricolage as a Creative and Research Method)
Supervisors: dr Juha Varto (Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Helsinki), dr Aili Aarelaid-Tart (Tallinn University) and dr Liina Unt (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: dr Luule Epner (University of Tartu) and dr Anu Allas (Art Museum of Estonia, Tallinn)
Opponent: dr Luule Epner (University of Tartu)
Curriculum: Art and Design
Tüüne-Kristin Vaikla
Re-purposing Space: The Role and Potential of Spatial Intervention
(Ruumi ümbermõtestamine. Ruumilise sekkumise roll ja võimalus)
Supervisors: prof dr Ranulph Glanville (Royal College of Art, London) and prof dr Mart Kalm (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: dr Suzie Attiwill (RMIT University, Melbourne) and dr Lilian Hansar (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Opponent: prof Morten Lund (Chalmers University of Technology)
Curriculum: Art and Design
2016
Elnara Taidre
(Model, Metaphor, Play: The Total Mythological Work of Art in the Context of Paradigm Shift in the 20th Century)
Supervisor: dr Virve Sarapik (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: dr Anu Allas (Art Museum of Estonia) and dr Tiina Kirss (University of Tartu)
Opponent: dr Tiina Kirss (University of Tartu)
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture
* 2nd prize at the 2017 Estonian National Contest for University Students (in the field of Culture and Society, on the level of doctoral studies), organized by the Estonian Research Council together with the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research
Carla Castiajo
Purity or Promiscuity? Exploring Hair as a Raw Material in Jewellery and Art
(Puhtus ja promiskuiteet. Uurimus juustest kui materjalist kunstis ja ehtekunstis)
Supervisors: prof Kadri Mälk (Estonian Academy of Arts) and prof emer. dr Robert Baines (RMIT University, Melbourne)
Pre-reviewers: prof dr Kartin Kivimaa (Estonian Academy of Arts) and dr Ana Campos (Portugal)
Opponent: dr Ana Campos (Portugal)
Curriculum: Art and Design
* 1st prize at the 2017 Estonian National Contest for University Students (in the field of Culture and Society, on the level of doctoral studies), organized by the Estonian Research Council together with the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research
Indrek Rünkla
(Architectural Way of Thinking: About the Connections Between Social and Cognitive Structures in the Practice of Architecture)
Supervisors: dr Margus Vihalem (Tallinn University) and dr Clarissa Moreira (Fluminense Federal University, Brazil)
Pre-reviewers: dr Epp Lankots (Estonian Academy of Arts) and dr Margus Ott (Tallinn University)
Opponent: dr Margus Ott (Tallinn University)
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture
* EKA academic publication award 2016
2015
Piibe Piirma
Hybrid Practices: Art and Science in Artistic Research
(Hübriidsed praktikad. Kunst ja teadus loomepõhises uurimistöös)
Supervisor: dr Andi Hektor (University of Tartu)
Consultant: dr Veronika Valk (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Opponent: dr Rasa Smite (RixC, Liepaja University)
Pre-reviewers: dr Raivo Kelomees (Estonian Academy of Arts) and dr Laura Beloff (University of Copenhagen)
Curriculum: Art and Design
Stacey May Koosel
The Renegotiated Self: Social Media’s Effects on Identity
(Ümberkujundatud mina: sotsiaalmeedia mõju identiteedile)
Supervisor: dr Raivo Kelomees (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: dr Marina Grišakova (University of Tartu) and prof dr Mauri Kaipainen (Södertörn University)
Opponent: prof dr Mauri Kaipainen (Södertörn University)
Curriculum: Art and Design. Defended as external student
2014
Epp Lankots
(Critical Historiography of Modern Architecture: Narrating Modernity in the Architectural Histories of Leo Gens and Leonhard Lapin in the 1960s–1980s)
Supervisor: prof dr Mart Kalm (Eesti Kunstiakadeemia)
Pre-reviewers: dr Marek Tamm (Tallinn University) and prof dr Akos Moravanszky (ETH Zürich)
Opponent: dr Marek Tamm (Tallinn University)
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture. Defended as external student
* Annual award 2015 of the Architecture Endowment of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia for architecture-related activity
Andres Kurg
(Segilöödud piirid. Hilisnõukogude muutused kunstis, ruumis ja subjektsuses Tallinnas aastatel 1968–1979)
Supervisor: prof dr Katrin Kivimaa (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: prof Malcolm Miles (Plymouth University) and dr Eneken Laanes (Yale University)
Opponent: prof Malcolm Miles (Plymouth University)
Curriculum: Art History and Visual Culture. Defended as external student
* Annual award 2015 of the Architecture Endowment of the Cultural Endowment of Estonia for architecture-related activity
2013
Kadri Kallaste
(Ajalooliste tapeetide säilitamine interjööris. Ajalooliste tapeetide konserveerimise problemaatika käsitlus Austrias, Eestis ja Rumeenias läbiviidud projektide põhjal)
Supervisors: prof dr Krista Kodres (Estonian Academy of Arts) and Markus Krön, MA (Institut für Papier-Restaurierung, Schloss Schönbrunn, Wien)
Pre-reviewers: prof emer. Anne van Grevenstein-Kruse (University of Amsterdam) and dr Hilkka Hiiop (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Opponent: prof emer. Anne van Grevenstein-Kruse (University of Amsterdam)
Curriculum: Cultural Heritage and Conservation. Defended as external student
Kärt Ojavee
Active Smart Interior Textiles: Interactive Soft Displays
(Nutitekstiilid interjööris. Aeglaselt muutuvad pehmed ekraanid)
Supervisor: prof dr Maarja Kruusmaa (Tallinn University of Technology)
Pre-reviewers: prof dr Thomas Hollstein (Tallinn University of Technology) and dr Lena Berglin (Swedish School of Textile)
Opponent: prof dr Thomas Hollstein (Tallinn University of Technology)
Curriculum: Art and Design
Sirje Helme
Sõjajärgse modernismi ja avangardi probleeme Eesti kunstis
(Problems of Post-War Modernism and Avant-Garde in Estonian Art)
Supervisor: prof emer. Jaak Kangilaski (University of Tartu)
Pre-reviewers: dr Mari Laanemets (Estonian Academy of Arts) and dr Lolita Jablonskiene (National Gallery of Art, Vilnius)
Opponent: dr Lolita Jablonskiene (National Gallery of Art, Vilnius)
Curriculum: Art History. Defended as external student
2012
Liina Keevallik
(Visuaalne kujund mängulistes kunstides ja selle seosed müüdiga. Uurimus filmikujundite loomisest mütoloogilisel teel)
Supervisors: prof dr David Vseviov (Estonian Academy of Arts) and prof emer. Claude Amey (France)
Pre-reviewers: dr Katre Talviste (University of Tartu) and prof Kristian Feigelson (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3)
Opponents: Hasso Krull, MSc (Tallinn University) and prof Kristian Feigelson (Université Sorbonne Nouvelle – Paris 3)
Defended in Université Paris 8 according to the agreement between universities
Urve Sinijärv
(Art and Nature in Parks: Combining Design Objectives and Biodiversity Conservation Objectives in Park Restoration and Maintenance on the Basis of Case Studies of Protected Parks in Saare County)
Supervisor: prof Juhan Maiste (University of Tartu)
Consultants: dr Jaan Liira (University of Tartu) and dr Merit Otsus (Estonian Ministry of the Environment, Tallinn)
Pre-reviewers: dr Kristiina Hellström (Estonia) and prof Kalev Sepp (Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu)
Opponent: prof Kalev Sepp (Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu)
Curriculum: Cultural Heritage and Conservation
Riin Alatalu
(Heritage Protection in Transitional Society 1986–2002: From Nation’s Conscience in the Estonian SSR into the Harasser of Private Owner in the Republic of Estonia)
Supervisor: prof dr Mart Kalm (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: dr Jaak Valge (University of Tartu) and dr Tamás Fejérdy (Hungary)
Opponent: dr Tamás Fejérdy (Hungary)
Curriculum: Cultural Heritage and Conservation
Hilkka Hiiop
(Contemporary Art in the Museum: How to Preserve the Ephemeral? The Preservation Strategy and Methods of the Contemporary Art Collection of the Art Museum of Estonia)
Supervisors: Sirje Helme, MA (Art Museum of Estonia, Tallinn) and dr Anneli Randla (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: dr Heie Treier (Tallinn University) and Kristi Harva, MSc
Opponent: dr Heie Treier (Tallinn University)
Curriculum: Cultural Heritage and Conservation
* 1st prize at the 2013 Estonian National Contest for University Students (in the field of Humanities and Social Sciences, on the level of doctoral studies), organized by the Estonian Research Council together with the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research
Ivar Sakk
Monograafia “Aa kuni Zz. Tüpograafia ülevaatlik ajalugu” kontseptualiseerimine
(Conceptualization of the Monograph “From Aa to Zz. The Concise History of Typography”)
Supervisor: prof dr Mart Kalm (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: prof dr Virve Sarapik (Estonian Academy of Arts) and prof dr Merle Talvik (Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences, Tallinn)
Opponent: dr Marcel Benčík (Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava)
Curriculum: Art and Design
* The book “Aa kuni Zz. Tüpograafia ülevaatlik ajalugu” was awarded the 3rd prize at the contest Best Book Design From All Over The World 2013
2011
Reet Aus
Trash to Trend – Upcycling in Fashion Design
(Summary in Estonian)
Supervisor: dr Harri Moora (Stockholm Environment Institute)
Pre-reviewers: dr Joan Farrer (University of Portsmouth) and prof Martin Pärn (Tallinn University of Technology)
Opponent: dr Joan Farrer (University of Portsmouth)
Curriculum: Art and Design
Eva Näripea
Estonian Cinescapes: Spaces, Places and Sites in Soviet Estonian Cinema (and Beyond)
(Eesti filmimaastikud. Ruumid, kohad ja paigad Nõukogude Eesti filmikunstis (ning edaspidi))
Supervisors: prof dr Virve Sarapik and prof dr Mart Kalm (both Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: prof dr Ewa Mazierska (University of Central Lancashire, Preston) and dr Michael Goddard (University of Westminster, London)
Opponent: prof dr Ewa Mazierska (University of Central Lancashire, Preston)
Curriculum: Art History
2010
Tiina-Mall Kreem
(Kirchenbau, Kirchenarchitektur und Kirchenkunst des Luthertums in Estland während der Zeit Alexanders II (1855–1881))
Supervisor: prof dr Krista Kodres (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Pre-reviewers: dr Karin Hallas-Murula (Museum of Estonian Architecture, Tallinn) and dr Urmas Petti (University of Tartu)
Opponent: dr Karin Hallas-Murula (Museum of Estonian Architecture, Tallinn)
Curriculum: Art History
* Grand prize at the 2011 Estonian National Contest for University Students, organized by the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research together with the Archimedes Foundation
Lilian Hansar
Linnast muinsuskaitsealaks. Linnehituslike struktuuride muutused Eesti väikelinnades 13.–20.sajandil
(From Town to Heritage Conservation Area: Transformation of Town Structures in Estonian Small Towns from the 13th to 20th Century)
Supervisor: dr Kaia Lehari (Estonian Academy of Arts)
Consultant: Kaur Alttoa, MA (University of Tartu)
Pre-reviewer: dr Kaisa Broner-Bauer (University of Oulu)
Opponent: dr Juhan Maiste (University of Tartu)
Curriculum: Cultural Heritage and Conservation
2009
Raivo Kelomees
Postmateriaalsus kunstis. Indeterministlik kunstipraktika ja mittemateriaalne kunst
(Postmateriality in Art: Indeterministic Art Practices and Non-Material Art)
Supervisor: prof dr Virve Sarapik
Pre-reviewers: dr Heie Treier and dr Chris Hales
Opponent: dr Mari Laanemets
Curriculum: Art History
2007
Pia Ehasalu
Rootsiaegne maalikunst Tallinnas (1561–1710). Produktsioon ja retseptsioon
(Painting in Tallinn during the Swedish Period (1561–1710): Production and Reception)
Supervisor: prof dr Krista Kodres
Pre-reviewers: prof Juhan Maiste and Juta Keevallik, MA
Opponent: dr Inga Lena Ångström Grandien
Curriculum: Art History
2004
Heie Treier
(Local Modernity in Art: The Theoretical and Historical Conceptualisation of Early Estonian Modernist Art and Karl Pärsimägi in the Period of Finding the Paradigm)
Supervisor: dr Thomas McEvilley
Pre-reviewers: prof dr Katrin Kivimaa and dr Ene Lamp
Opponent: prof emer. Jaak Kangilaski
Curriculum: Art History
2003
Ants Juske
Ümberpööratud perspektiivi kulturoloogilised, semiootilised ja tajupsühholoogilised tekkemehhanismid
(Summary in English)
Supervisor: prof emer. Boris Bernstein
Opponents: prof Peeter Tulviste and dr Altti Kuusamo
Curriculum: Art History
1999
Krista Kodres
(The Burgher of Tallinn and his Dwelling, ca 1600–1750: House, Plan, Decoration and Furnishings)
Opponents: prof Lars Olaf Larsson and prof Juhan Maiste
Curriculum: Art History. Defended as external student
1998
Mart Kalm
Arhitektuurikultuuri kujunemisest Eestis 1918–1940
(Formation of Architecture Culture in Estonia in 1918–1940)
Opponents: prof Riitta Nikula and prof Leo Gens
Curriculum: Art History. Defended as external student
1995
Juhan Maiste
Klassikaline suund Eesti ehituskunstis 1530–1830. Stiil ja traditsioon
(Classical ideal in Estonian architecture, 1530–1830: Style and Reception)
Opponents: dr Ea Jansen and dr Pekka Korvenmaa
Curriculum: Art History. Defended as external student
Rein Zobel
(Summary in German)
Opponents: prof Evald Tõnisson and dr Raimo Pullat
Curriculum: Art History. Defended as external student