Jaan Elken's Curatorial Tour at the Estonian Painters' Association Annual Exhibition UNTOLD STORIES

On April 19th at 14:00, we invite you to a tour with Jaan Elken at the Estonian Painters' Association annual exhibition.
Entry with a museum ticket, free with a museum card.

 

Estonian Painters' Association Annual Exhibition Untold Stories
New Art Museum, Pärnu
March 8 – May 25, 2025

As individuals, each of us has our own story to tell. At all times, artists have had the opportunity to sublimate the personal into their work, to develop a certain meta-language and sign system for cultivating their independent artist-ego or sovereignty.

Since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression in 2022, it has become possible to speak openly in public space about collective traumas and the white spots of history. Estonia is cleansing itself of Soviet monuments, and despite the oppressive threat of war and the crazy economic situation, there is nonetheless a sense of new breathing, a new feeling of freedom in the air, courage to call things by their right names. The phrase `untold story` suggests something that perhaps has not been spoken about before, or has not been wanted to tell?

I believe there hasn't been enough talk about how successful the new independence period of Estonia has been, the great strides in which our living environment has changed over the past thirty years, and how beautiful our country really is! Perhaps superstition has kept Estonians from proclaiming great joy loudly, or it seems that as long as happiness hasn't reached every single one of us, it's not proper to shout about Estonia as a land of wonders?

The organizers do not wish to dictate the tone of the creation in any way, everyone's story is valuable, the mosaic is richer the more shades are represented in it. The synopsis of the general exhibition is compiled to address/involve the majority of the members of the Painters’ Association, the refinement of the exhibition concept and the articulation of the body of work occurs rather on the basis of the reactions and feedback that arise when communicating with those who wish to participate. Therefore, this year's theme should be viewed more as a sociological study – after all, painting and painters are ungovernable, more individualists than herd people. This is where one of the greatest charms of an art form with individual authorship, like painting, lies.

Exhibitors:
Vano Allsalu, Stanislav Antipov, Ivi Arrak, Kadri Bormeister, Marju Bormeister, Urve Dzidzaria, Manfred Dubov, Jaan Elken, Herlet Elvisto, Pille Ernesaks, Evi Gailit, Mauri Gross, Mirjam Hinn, Eero Ijavoinen, Sergei Inkatov, Ashot Jegikjan, Ly Kaalma, Martin Kaares/QBA, Kaie Kal, Kalli Kalde, Liina Kalvik, Liis Koger, Triin Kristerson, Eve Kruuse, Ilmar Kruusamäe, Liisa Kruusmägi, Andro Kööp, Tiia Külv, August Künnapu, Vilen Künnapu, Urve Küttner, Silvi Lepparu, Philiph Arvo Luik, Ivika Luisk, Helle Lõhmus, Liia Lüdig-Algvere, Lola Tehver, Vitali Macari, Andrei Maksimjuk, Margus Meinart, Maret Melder, Lilian Mosolainen, Ene Luik-Mudist, Maarit Murka, Peeter Must, Kati Müüripeal, Karl-Kristjan Nagel, Ulvi Oro, Tiiu Pallo-Vaik, Riin Pallon, Mall Paris, Anne Parmasto, Sirje Piir, Tiit Priidel, Pusa (Piret Bergmann), Lii Pähkel, Matti Pärk, Tiiu Rebane, Riina Rillo, Piret Rohusaar, Ingmar Roomets, Mari Roosvalt, Uno Roosvalt, Rait Rosin, Andrus Rõuk, Kaia Rähn, Marta Stratskas, Maret Suurmets Kuura, Santa Zukker, Karl-Erik Talvet, Tiina Tammetalu, Lola Tehver, Jane Tiidelepp, Margus Tiitsmaa, Heli Tuksam, Alar Tuul, Maris Tuuling, Maria-Kristiina Ulas, Priit Vaher, Manfred Vainokivi, Einar Vene

Jaan Elken, exhibition organizer/designer

Supporters: Estonian Cultural Endowment, City of Pärnu