We know Estonia
22.10.2024 | Culture

Exhibition to mark one hundred years since the birth of visual artist Ülo Sooster opens at the Mikkel Museum

Text Susanna Poikela
Photos Private collection, Jaan Klõšeiko. Art Museum of Estonia,
Collection of Mart Lepp, Sooster family collection, 
Collection of Viljar Suits, Collection of Heiki Mölder

Exhibition to mark one hundred years since the birth of visual artist Ülo Sooster opens at the Mikkel MuseumÜlo Sooster (1924–1970). Landscape with Eyes. 1968. Oil. Private collection

 

An exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ülo Sooster, titled Sooster 100, opened last week at the Mikkel Museum, in Tallinn. The exhibition features nearly 160 of Sooster’s works from private collections, many of which have never been on public display before.

Ülo Sooster (1924–1970) is regarded as one of the greatest European surrealists of the 20th century. Although his career and life were cut short, he left behind a vast collection of thousands of drawings and paintings that transcended the Iron Curtain and became an integral part of both European and Estonian surrealist art history.

The Mikkel Museum’s exhibition – Sooster 100: A View from Private Collections – follows the artist’s career, from his early painting experiments in Hiiumaa to the enigmatic, unfinished compositions from the final years of his life.

His life took a dramatic turn after spending seven years in a Soviet prison camp in Kazakhstan, after which he never returned to live in Estonia.

A significant part of the collection comes from the Sooster family’s private archive, which was moved from Moscow to Tartu in 1990. Included in the collection are unfinished paintings from his later years, that reflect Sooster’s shift towards more conceptual art. A particularly notable piece is a rare pencil drawing of the Mona Lisa, in which the eyes and mouth have been humorously swapped.

Sooster 100: A View from Private Collections will be on display at the Mikkel Museum in Tallinn until May 4, 2025.

 

Ülo Sooster (1924–1970) in his Srertensky Boulevard studio. Moscow, 1970. Photographer: Jaan Klõšeiko. Art Museum of Estonia
Ülo Sooster (1924–1970). Interior. 1946. Oil. Collection of Mart Lepp
Ülo Sooster (1924–1970). Self-Portrait with Glasses (1924–1970). 1956. Indian ink. Sooster family collection
Ülo Sooster (1924–1970). Arabesque at an Exhibition. End of the 1950s – beginning of the 1960s. Felt-tip pen. Sooster family collection
Ülo Sooster (1924–1970). Mona Lisa. 1960. Pencil. Sooster family collection
Ülo Sooster (1924–1970). Untitled. 1961. Indian ink. Collection of Viljar Suits
Ülo Sooster (1924–1970). Three Green Junipers. 1966–1968. Oil and paste. Collection of Heiki Mölder
Ülo Sooster (1924–1970). Forms. 1965. Indian ink. Sooster family collection
Ülo Sooster (1924–1970). Egg Divided into Four Pieces on a Green Background (unfinished). 1969–1970. Mixed media and paste. Sooster family collection

 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Exhibitions in Tallinn Mikkel Museum Museums in Tallinn Sooster 100 What to do in Tallinn Where to go in Tallinn Ülo Sooster

12.11.2024 | Nature

Exhibition on the rare protected Eurasian otter is now open at Ülemiste Shopping Centre

Exhibition on the rare protected Eurasian otter is now open at Ülemiste Shopping Centre

The Ülemiste Shopping Centre in Tallinn has unveiled a new exhibition titled “Otter – the Water Wolf,” which focuses … Read more

11.11.2024 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

01–30.11 Taste Adventure of Ida-Viru, Across Ida-Viru During the monthlong event, visitors can enjoy themed dinners and unique experiences … Read more

10.11.2024 | Culture

Tallinn Rock Festival to debut with international headliners

Tallinn Rock Festival to debut with international headliners

The first-ever Tallinn Rock Festival will take place on June 27-28, at the Unibet Arena and its surrounding outdoor … Read more

9.11.2024 | Culture

Victoria Olt Gallery opens a new group exhibition for first-time art collectors at two locations in Tallinn

Victoria Olt Gallery opens a new group exhibition for first-time art collectors at two locations in Tallinn

Today, Saturday, November 9, Victoria Olt Gallery will open its annual group exhibition, “Your First Art Collection,” at two … Read more

8.11.2024 | Culture

camera icon5
Bruno Tomberg’s work on display in Tallinn

Bruno Tomberg’s work on display in Tallinn

The Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design will host a comprehensive retrospective exhibition, “Bruno Tomberg: Inventing Design,” that … Read more

8.11.2024 | Culture

Kai Art Center announces a call for applications for its 2025 residency program

Kai Art Center announces a call for applications for its 2025 residency program

Kai Art Center in Tallinn is now accepting applications for its 2025 Kai Residency program, which offers artists, curators, … Read more

7.11.2024 | Culture

PÖFF 2024 will screen over 500 films from 81 countries

PÖFF 2024 will screen over 500 films from 81 countries

The Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) has announced its full programme, featuring 249 full-length feature films and 323 short … Read more

6.11.2024 | Shopping

Shop for Estonia’s finest handicrafts at the St. Martin’s Fair

Shop for Estonia’s finest handicrafts at the St. Martin’s Fair

The St. Martin’s Fair, which is the largest crafts and folkloristic lifestyle event in Estonia, will take place at … Read more