Jaan Elken's Tour on 17.05 at 15:00 at the Estonian Painters' Annual Exhibition UNTOLD STORIES

Tour with Jaan Elken on May 17 at 15:00 

at the Estonian Painters' Annual Exhibition UNTOLD STORIES.

Entrance with a museum ticket, free with a museum card.

EMLi Annual Exhibition Untold Stories
New Art Museum, Pärnu
March 8 – May 25, 2025
As individuals, each of us has our own story to tell. Artists have always had the opportunity to sublimate the personal into their work, to develop a certain metalanguage and symbol system to cultivate their independent artist-ego or author's sovereignty.
Collective traumas and historical blank spots have found full expression in the public space since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression in 2022. Estonia is cleansing itself from the scourge of Soviet monuments, and despite the harrowing threat of war and the dire economic situation, there is still a sense of renewed freedom in the air, a boldness to call things by their right names. The word pair `Untold story` suggests something that couldn't be discussed before, or perhaps there was no desire?
In my opinion, it's not talked about enough how successful Estonia's new independence period has been, how significantly our living environment has changed over the last thirty years, how beautiful our country truly is! Maybe superstition has kept Estonians from boldly proclaiming great joy, or it seems that until happiness has reached every last doorstep, it's improper to trumpet out that Estonia is a land of wonders?
The organizers do not wish in any way to dictate the tone of the work; everyone's story is valuable, the mosaic is richer the more shades are represented. The general exhibition synopsis is crafted to engage/enlist most of the members of the painters' union; the refinement of the exhibition concept and the segmentation of the collection will occur rather from reactions and feedback arising in communication with those who wish to participate. Thus, this year's thematic guideline should be seen rather as a sociological study – painting and painters tend to be rebellious, more individualists than herd people. Herein lies one of the greatest charms of a creative form with individual authorship, as painting is.
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 curator/designer
Supporters: Estonian Cultural Endowment, Pärnu city