A new exhibition at Kai Keskus focuses on climate change and the adaptability of species

Teksti Mark Taylor
Photos Ville Mäkilä, Jussi Tiainen,
Kert Viiart, Marje Eelma

 

The 2024 exhibition program at Kai Keskus in Tallinn will open with a collaboration between Finnish artists Tuomas A. Laitinen and Estonian Kristina Õllek‘s. The exhibition, entitled “Cyanoceans” focuses on marine ecology, climate change, species adaptation, and our shared responsibility towards the planet.

In a dialogue between themselves, Õllek and Laitinen create a synergistic installation with water vapor and ultrasound, which can resemble an underwater experience.

“Kristina and Tuomas’ practice includes several similar topics, which they have been dealing with for years. Together, sharp environmental topics such as the Baltic Sea and research on the adaptability of species come together. We are delighted that the world premiere of Laitinen’s new octopus video filmed in Japan will take place in Kai,” says exhibition curator Karin Laansoo.

 

 

Tuomas A. Laitinen, the nominee of the ARS Fennica 2023 art award, is currently one of the best-known Finnish artists. Laitinen has been studying the behavior of cephalopods for years, looking at the species’ ability to change shape and adapt. On display at Kai are his glass sculptures from the “Proposal to the Octopus” series, which he began in 2016, with the latest being completed in 2024.

 

 

The key point of Kristina Õllek’s work in the last six years is marine ecology, approaching it scientifically, speculatively, personally, and geopolitically through various case studies. New photographs and installations created for the Kai exhibition focus on the Baltic Sea and its low-oxygen “dead zones”. Works made of artificially grown sea salt, cyanobacteria, and green fluorescent pigment hang as the central and translucent constellation of the room. Òllek’s salt installation will grow and adapt throughout the time the exhibition is on display.

The exhibition “Cyanoceans” will be on display at Kai Keskus in Noblessner until August 4, 2024.

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Art Exhibition Cyanoceans Kai Keskus Kristina Õllek Marine Ecology Noblessner Tuomas A. Laitinen