Fotokuu Presents International Photographic Art
Text Susanna Poikela Photos press material
The international contemporary photography biennial Tallinn Fotokuu begins today, 5 September. This marks the eighth edition of the event, which runs until 31 October. The programme features four main exhibitions along with numerous smaller exhibitions and public events.
On opening day, two major showcases will be unveiled. At the historic Saarinen House, Tanja Muravskaja’s solo exhibition “Aiad: Tanja Muravskaja ja valgus”, or “Gardens: Tanja Muravskaja and Light”, opens. Muravskaja explores the boundaries between reality and image through the themes of water, light, and time. The exhibition is designed by Jevgeni Zolotko, with art historian Elnara Taidre serving as its expert advisor.
That same day, the area around the Kaubamaja intersection transforms into an open-air exhibition space with the opening of the international exhibition “Volitatud vormid”, or “Authorised Forms”.
Six site-specific works offer passers-by a moment of pause amidst the bustling urban landscape, opening up new perspectives on familiar surroundings. The exhibition features photographic works by Elo Vahtrik of Estonia, Eva Stenram of Sweden, Giovanna Petrocchi from Italy, Mare Tralla from Estonia, Mia Dudek of Poland, and Estonian Sigrid Viir.
On 25 September, the joint Estonian–Finnish group exhibition “just juuri nüüd nyt” opens at the Hobusepea Gallery and the FOKU Gallery. The exhibition explores photography as a technical, cultural, emotional, and political medium. Some artists deconstruct the image into fragments, while others combine photography with sculpture or text.
Participating artists include, from Estonia: Andre Joosep Arming, Cloe Jancis, Karel Koplimets, Kristina Õllek, and Maria Kapajeva. From Finland: Andrey Bogush, Karl Ketamo, Maija Tammi, Noora Geagea, and Saara Ekström. The exhibition is curated by Hertta Kiiski.
Fotokuu culminates with Sirje Runge’s solo exhibition “Hapral pinnasel: Sirje Runge ja valgus”. It opens on 11 October at the Kai Art Centre. Runge delves into the study of light, colour, and perception, placing fragility—both as a concept and as material—at the centre of her work. The exhibition invites the viewer into a space where matter and thought, light and shadow, as well as creation and decay, intertwine. The curator is Mėta Valiušaitytė.
Fotokuu also offers 14 smaller exhibitions around Estonia. Included are Tallinn’s major venues, such as the Kumu Art Museum, Fotografiska, and the Juhan Kuusi Dokfoto Centre, as well as several smaller galleries like Draakoni, Positiiv, Punctum, Vabaduse, FOKU, and Seek. In Tartu, the programme is hosted by Kogo Gallery, and in Viljandi by Rüki Gallery. The festival’s official info point is located at FOKU Gallery (Väike-Karja 10) in Tallinn. Read more about Fotokuu here.
To learn more about this and similar topicsart photography events Exhibitions Exhibitions in Tallinn FOKU Gallery Fotografiska photography exhibitions
