An exhibition about the enchanting works of artist Merike Estna opens at Kai Art Center today
Text Timo Huttunen Photo Renee Altrov
Merike Estna with her piece "Muld ei hoia meie armastust" (2022).
Artist Merike Estna’s exhibition “Muld ei hoia meie armastust”, opens today, August 19, at the Kai Art Center, in Noblessner, Tallinn.
The exhibition, which translates as “The soil does not hold our love”, is a kind of mini-retrospective of the artist, with new works, extensive series and many works that have not been exhibited in Estonia before. Examples include the large-scale painting “Thinned Ocean of Ages” created for the Moderna Museet Malmö exhibition in 2019 and the large hand-woven carpet “The House of the Tragic Poet” exhibited at the Bosse & Baum gallery in London in 2021.
The artist has created an environment for the exhibition, the elements of which, in addition to paintings, are installations made of textiles, beeswax, wood, glass and ceramics, as well as sound.
Merike Estna is known as a brave expander of the concept of art. The exhibition stands out for its special materials. For example, burning textiles and wood have been tried. The exhibition, which moves fluidy between contemporary art, handicrafts and Estonian folklore, forms an enchanting whole.
Estna’s work is characterised by combining time-consuming and traditional techniques with modern materials and themes. In addition to brush and canvas, the artist’s tools have included, among other things, a tattoo machine, embroidery needles and fire.
Merike Estna is one of Estonia’s most important contemporary artists. Her work is based on critical and conceptual interpretation and deep respect for her profession. The focus of the artist’s work in the last seven years has been on international exhibitions.
This exhibition is Estna’s first major appearance in Estonia since her solo exhibition at Kumu in 2014.
The exhibition will remain open until November 27, 2022.
To learn more about this and similar topicsArt Art Exhibition Contemporary Art Installation Kai Art Center Merike Estna Noblessner Painting
