Finnish and Estonian contemporary art meet at Kai

Text Taivi Koitla
Photos Aron Urb, Kristina Õllek

 

Finnish contemporary artist Tuomas A. Laitinen and Estonian artist Kristina Õllek are presenting a joint exhibition on marine ecology, climate change and species adaptation at the seaside Kai Art Center in Tallinn.

The duo’s first joint exhibition, Cyanoceans, focuses on marine ecology and species adaptation. Together, the artists tell a story that makes the viewer wonder about our shared responsibility for the planet and whether humans as a species are capable of the changes and adaptations required by environmental challenges.

 

 

The artists have created an environment that allows visitors to watch, as if in real-time, experience being underwater through ultrasonic waves and water vapour, and see artworks growing organically in sea salt.

The exhibition also includes several large video installations, the largest of which, an 8-metre-long video showing the relationship between an octopus and a glass object, had its world premiere at the Kai Art Center.

 

 

Tuomas A. Laitinen’s works have mythical overtones. They explore symbiotic processes and are based on the idea of mutualism. Inspired by various biological theories and myths, Laitinen’s works are not just biological studies, but explore the interactions within complex and life-filled ecosystems.

The focus of Kristina Õllek’s work over the last six years has been marine ecology, which she approaches in scientific, speculative, personal and geopolitical terms.

The exhibition is curated by Karin Laansoo (EE) and Anna Mustonen (FI).

Cyanoceans is open at the Kai Art Center until 4 August 2024. 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Art Exhibition In Tallinn Cyanoceans Estonian Contemporary Art Finnish Contemporary Art Kai Art Center Kristina Õllek Tuomas A. Laitinen Underwater Art Installation