Artists working with digital tools were able to utilize their possibilities to great effect in interpreting their subjects. Notable were Jaak Järve's charming renderings of Estonian folk themes; Toomas Kimsto's magical fantasy “Jack-o-Lantern Cemetery” and Randel Palo's “Footsteps,” capturing the mood of a rain-soaked city sidewalk.
A fascinating work in the mixed media category was the untitled piece by Elva Palo, combining drawing, ceramics and metal. Unusual in shape and texture, the work alludes to the beauty of the natural world.
Marjut Karu-Nousiainen's intricate composition “My Healing Process” was in a category of its own, made entirely of coloured hat-pins and buttons stuck onto a white textured background.
There was a variety of interesting abstract works. Some displayed a strong sense of structure, such as the snow scenes by Toomas Heinar. A more impressionistic fluid approach was used by Hille Viires in her collages using Japanese paper. Matti Saastamoinen's huge canvas “Cat and Bird” was reminiscent of spontaneous action painting.
The large oil painting incorporating needlework by Saskia Järve entitled “Visual Flight” was unique in content and execution. It is a disturbing portrayal of an airline stewardess smoking, while above her is an airplane plunging to the ground engulfed by billowing smoke. The strangeness of the scene and the juxtaposition of improbable elements recall surrealist means of expression.
Andres Musta made a statement about the injustice of war in his “Requiem of the Warchild,” which depicts a girl in a war zone holding up a large sheet with a painted peace symbol.
A number of works dealt with sexuality. Among these were Mary Männapso's bold painting “La Belle Femme,” showing a woman of a past era in a provocative pose. A more subtle interpretation was Ashley Lennox's painting “Double Dealing,” where a man is attracted to two women. Due to the well-balanced composition, the spectator is drawn into the intimacy of the scene.
One of the highlights of the show was the striking and humorous painting by Arne Roosman “Adam Where Are You?”. The artist, using a loosely rendered cubist style, depicted his theme in an original and imaginative way. The central figure is unmistakably Eve, who is reminiscent of nudes painted by Picasso. While Eve reaches for an apple, two adoring macho males celebrate her beauty with wine and music.
There were many more excellent works in a variety of styles and techniques, unfortunately too many to be included in this review. Among them were landscapes, seascapes, portraits, flower studies and works in bronze and brass.
Since this was not a juried show, it gave all EKKT members an opportunity to exhibit their recent creations. The show featured primarily paintings, demonstrating that painting is continuously evolving and challenging traditional boundaries. Despite the emergence of more sensational visual art forms, such as installations and new media art, painting still remains a popular means of expression among contemporary artists.
Dace Dzirne-Šēfers
Tel: 416-923-7692
E-mail: ves.sefers@sympatico.ca
“Copyright” Dace Sefers, 2013. No alterations without the consent of the author.
7 October 2013.
Photo gallery: Eesti Kunstnike Koondise Torontos (EKKT) 58. aastanäitus
