Estonian Art 1 2019
Painting, painters and the painterly have long been acknowledged as the backbone of art. From cliché to archetype, the medium has come in and out of fashion, but has recently experienced a revival with young artists that are keen to hone their skills and add something new to such an ancient conversation.
The paint-themed issue is inspired by internationally acclaimed artist Kris Lemsalu who will represent Estonia at the 58th Venice Biennale with FUNTAIN. Kris Lemsalu is not a painter, per se – but uses colour with painterly sensibilities in sculptures, installations, performances, fashion and on herself.
To further the conversation on contemporary painting, this issue of Estonian Art showcases two visual essays by contemporary painters: A Visual Essay on Today’s Colours by Kristi Kongi, and Stories from Behind the Red Dot by Alexei Gordin.
Irene Campolmi writes about Kris Lemsalu’s practice in Things Yet To Come. In Past Kris is Future Kris, Edith Karlson presents the genesis of an artist, with a visual essay sources from the childhood archives of Kris Lemsalu’s parents. Elnara Taidre guides us through the works of ten painters from Estonia that represent the last 100 years in Ten Estonian Painters in Dialogue with Metaphysics (of Painting).
Artist Brian House shares his experience as an artist in residence at Maajaam, in Keeping Time at Maajaam. Katrin Kivimaa interviews Kirke Kangro about her monumental work in A Long Awaited Memorial. Art critic Antti Tapio Kiuru talks with artist Jaanus Samma in Body Talk. Lars-Erik Hjertström Lappalainen reflects on the exhibition Stories of Belonging at Tartu Art Museum in Closeness to the Everyday.
In design, Stefan Zaric juxtaposes Estonian and Serbian fashion designers in Ones to Watch: Estonia and Serbia’s Young Fashion Designers. Nithikul Nimkulrat highlights exciting new talent in Three Estonian Designers and Estonia-based artist Hansel Tai walks us through his practice in Sexting You With All My Heart.
In architecture Gregor Taul contemplates the new Estonian Academy of Arts building in Architecture of Paradox. Tüüne-Kristin Vaikla interviews the architects of the Arvo Pärt Centre in The Hidden Landmark. Ann Mirjam Vaikla writes about her work at the Narva Art Residency in Space and Time Machine.
In books, Triin Ojari, the Director of the Museum of Estonian Architecture shares her Top Ten Books.
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