Peeter Sepp's Colour My World Opens with a Splash

Peeter Sepp’s Colour My World Opens with a Splash

Apr 1, 2016 Estonian Life No. 13 2016

Last Saturday afternoon, dozens of curious art lovers strolled into a transformed Estonian House to be first to view the Peeter Sepp retrospective, Colour My World. Organized by the Estonian House Art Committee, the Gallery overflowed with 28 large-scale paintings in the abstract expressionist style created between 1956 and 1976.

The mostly unknown work was revealed after having been in storage for almost a decade. Sepp died unexpectedly while in Saaremaa, Estonia, in 2007. Friend and fellow artist Deeter Hastenteufel has safeguarded the collection at his Flesherton, Ontario, studio until now, before finally transporting the canvases to Toronto.

Co-curators Hastenteufel and art historian Eda Sepp (no relation) claim the output is of historic significance. They believe Peeter Sepp's art compares in quality with that of other Canadian abstract expressionists, and that he should be recognized as a peer. They would also like to see the work collected by both Estonian and Canadian public galleries.

Eda Sepp officially opened the show, welcoming sponsors and guests. Invited to speak, the artist's widow Anu Sepp emotionally added, “Thank you for making this event a real highlight in my life. Peeter would have been so happy.”

Jaan Meri, president of Tartu College, reiterated and confirmed Peeter Sepp's standing as a cultural icon within the Estonian community. The College funded production of the show's full-colour 54-page catalogue.

Representing the Estonian House executive, Kristiina Valter McConville offered congratulations to the show's organizers. Estonian House has generously donated the space, and the Estonian Credit Union repainted the gallery for the occasion.

A table groaning with Sepp's favourite Estonian foods – open-face herring sandwiches, rosolje, pirukad and kringel – tempted visitors. A lusty photograph of the artist, cigarette dangling from lips, watched over the open bar. This was a feast for the senses.

The show closes April 17 with a special performance event hosted by legendary jazz pianist Armas Maiste. Maiste will talk about the connection between jazz and painting, and how music informed Sepp's work. Sepp and Maiste collaborated creatively during the 1970s.

Uno Raamat