25.2.2023 | Culture

An exhibition showcasing EKA student works has opened in Stockmann

Text Mark Taylor 
Photos Paul Aadam Mikson, Johann Põldra

Karl-Christoph Rebane fashion design.

An exhibition entitled “CONTACT LINE”, has opened in the gallery space on the 5th floor of Stockmann in Tallinn. The group exhibition of students of the Estonian Academy of Arts seamlessly combines paintings, ceramics, fashion and blacksmithing works. For many of the artists, this is their first time exhibiting publicly.

Usually, art exhibitions only exhibit works of one artist, style, or medium. The exhibition, “CONTACT LINE” by students of the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA), which opened on February 16, breaks this mould – showcasing paintings, ceramics, fashion, and blacksmithing works all in one exhibition.

The exhibition, which was born from the idea that Estonian students have a lot of amazing works of art that the general public do not usually get to see, comprises of 60 carefully curated pieces. For many of the artists, this is the first time their works have been publically displayed outside of the academic environment.

Cristopher Siniväli ceramic blankets “closer to soil 1”

Valerija Oja with her paintings “Aching I” and “Aching II” in the background.

Pieces of note include Cristopher Siniväli’s ceramic blankets and Valerija Oja’s paintings, which push the boundaries of ceramics and gender respectively.

“I want to break the stereotypical ceramic studying barrier, that you always have to do pots and vases. I want to think bigger and make something else,” said Siniväli.

“Young people are thinking about gender roles changing. It is not just a man or a woman on a picture, but an androgynous mix of both,” explained Santa Zukker.

The exhibition as a whole is a look into the minds of the young and their interpretations of the world we live in, with each piece sharing different experiences, thoughts, and opinions.

For art lovers, the exhibition is not just a chance to see a wonderful and varied selection of works by up-and-coming artists, but to buy their pieces and support their careers.

The EKA artists participating in the exhibition are:

Karola Ainsar, Margus Elizarov, Maria Hindreko, Sander Karjus, Paavo Kuldkepp, Daria Kylm, Lilian Maasik, Rebecca Norman, Visa Eino Eduard Nurmi, Valerija Oja, Valeria Poljakova, Karl-Christoph Rebane, Maria Elise Remme, Marion Saarik, Siret Schutting, Cristopher Siniväli, Helena Tääker, Marta Vikentjeva, Anna-Liisa Villmann, Elisa Margot Winters, and Santa Zukker.