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GeneralMain exhibitionSatellite

An exhibition about constructiveness in art opens at Kai Art Center

04/10/2024

4/10/2024

This Saturday, on 5 October the main exhibition of the 9th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial The Fine Lines of Constructiveness opens at Kai Art Center. This year, the Triennial focuses on artists from the Baltic and the Nordic countries, exhibiting works around the idea of constructiveness in art and exploring how this could also be helpful in other areas of life.

The curator of the exhibition, Maret Sarapu selected 28 artists via an open call that attracted 470 submissions.

“I wanted to highlight the possibilities art has to address complicated issues, offer solace, hope and new perspectives,” said Maret Sarapu about the theme of the exhibition. “I wanted to explore how to orient yourself towards solutions, both in art and life in general, to experiment and be open to new things.”

The curator was also intrigued by the grounding effect of manual work. “Applied arts and making by hand is something people often turn to in order to find release. Thinking with hands helps to explore ideas and solutions intuitively, which may not emerge when we take a verbal or abstract thinking approach.”

The artists selected for the exhibition share common traits such as playfulness and a courage to experiment, as well as a fresh and caring perspective on material and its life cycle. Sarapu also sees a lot of concern about sustainability and people’s mental balance.

The opening weekend programme includes a curator’s tour by Maret Sarapu (5 October, 12.00) (in Estonian), a day of artist presentations (5 October, 13.30–17.00) (in English) and a workshop by Latvian artist Linda Vilka (& October, 14.00–16.00) (in English).

The main exhibition of the Triennial is accompanied by a multifaceted satellite programme made up of more than 20 events. The opening weekend includes exhibitions at A-gallery, Hop gallery, the library of the Estonian Academy of Arts and Texstudio hall at Baltika kvartal. As part of the satellite programme, on 5 October, artist Rait Rosin and his group of swervers are performing at 12.00–16.00 in Tallinn’s Põhja-Tallinn district, using unique vehicles for transportation and exploring unexpected locations in the city.

Artists participating at the 9th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial: Karin Roy Andersson (Sweden), Riikka Anttonen (Finland), Ieva Baltrėnaitė-Markevičė (Lithuania), Sofia Björkman (Sweden), Per Brandstedt (Sweden), Vincent Dumay (Sweden), Signe Fensholt (Denmark), Hanne Haukom (Norway), Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė (Lithuania), Liisa Hietanen (Finland), Kati Kerstna (Estonia), Lauri Kilusk (Estonia), Karel Koplimets (Estonia), Arja Kärkkäinen (Finland), Krista Leesi (Eesti), Alves Ludovico (Soome), Jennie McMillen (Rootsi), Anda Munkevica (Latvia), Kadi Pajupuu (Estonia), Anu Penttinen (Finland), Tiina Puhkan (Eesti), Saara Renvall (Soome), Vilde Rudjord (Norra), Taavi Teevet (Estonia), Margit Terasmees (Estonia), Ketli Tiitsar (Estonia), Linda Vilka (Latvia), and Ellisif Hals, Yuvia Maini and Cassius Lambert (Sweden and Norway), presenting a collaborative work.

Exhibition design: Kärt Maran Technical team: Tõnu Narro, Mihkel Lember and Arvi Anderson Graphic design: Laura Pappa

Exhibition The Fine Lines of Constructiveness is open at the Kai Art Center 5.10.2024–16.02.2025. Kai Art Center is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 12–18.

Guided tours: 5.10 at 12.00 and 26.10 (school break special), 9.11, 23.11, 7.12, 11.01, 25.01, 15.02 at 14.00.

Tallinn Applied Art Triennial is an international applied art event, established in 1997 with the aim of supporting and empowering the development of the field of applied art and contemporary craft. The Triennial is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Tallinn Culture and Sports Department, DHL Express Estonia AS, OnTheGoSystems, Puumerkki, Raitwood and MULL°.

Anu Almik

GeneralMain exhibition

The Triennial’s graphic design highlights experimentation

20/09/2024

20/09/2024

The graphic design for the 2024 Tallinn Applied Art Triennial titled The Fine Lines of Constructiveness was created by Laura Pappa and highlights the courage and joy of experimentation.

“For me, the theme of the Triennial evoked the beginning stages of any creative process, which from a designer’s point of view is often the most exciting stage,” said Laura Pappa about her inspirations. “I associate the title of the exhibition – the fine lines of constructiveness – with keywords like experimentation, temporal, volatile, seeking, experimentation. Above all, I wanted the design to have an experimental and dynamic character.”

The design elements feature collages of the artworks displayed at the exhibition, foregrounding the diversity of materials, techniques and approaches in contemporary craft.

“The selection of artworks is exciting and eclectic, which is why I was curious to create a symbiosis of different works and shapes,” added Pappa.

Laura Pappa is a graphic designer based in Amsterdam. She has studied at the Estonian Academy of Arts, the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and Werkplaats Typografie in Arnhem.

Anu Almik

Main exhibitionOpen callSatellite

Announcing artist selection for the 9th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial

15/05/2024

15/05/2024

A record number of 470 artists or artist groups applied for the open call of the 9th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial. Among the applicants, 28 artists were selected whose works will be exhibited at the exhibition The Fine Lines of Constructiveness, opening in October this year at Kai Art Center. Applications for the triennial’s satellite programme are open until the end of May.

According to Maret Sarapu, the curator of the exhibition, the open call gave a great overview of what is current on the art scenes in the Nordic and the Baltic art fields. “Fascinating experiments with material, slow technologies, finding new use to forgotten or marginal materials definitely stood out,” said Sarapu. The highest number of submitted applications presented installations, there was also a considerable number of works of textile and fibre arts.

In total, 28 artists or groups were selected for the main exhibition of the triennial with works addressing the notion of constructiveness in a way that spoke to the curator the most. Selected artists include (in alphabetical order): Karin Roy Andersson (Sweden), Riikka Anttonen (Finland), Ieva Baltrėnaitė-Markevičė (Lithuania), Sofia Björkman (Sweden), Per Brandstedt (Sweden), Vincent Dumay (Sweden), Signe Fensholt (Denmark), Hanne Haukom (Norway), Liisa Hietanen (Finland), Severija Inčirauskaitė-Kriaunevičienė (Lithuania), Kati Kerstna (Estonia), Lauri Kilusk (Estonia), Karel Koplimets (Estonia), Arja Kärkkäinen (Finland), Krista Leesi (Estonia), Alves Ludovico (Finland), Jennie McMillen (Sweden), Anda Munkevica (Latvia), Kadi Pajupuu (Estonia), Anu Penttinen (Finland), Tiina Puhkan (Estonia), Saara Renvall (Finland), Vilde Rudjord (Norway), Taavi Teevet (Estonia), Margit Terasmees (Estonia), Ketli Tiitsar (Estonia), Linda Vilka (Latvia) and Ellisif Hals, Yuvia Maini and Cassius Lambert (Sweden and Norway) presenting a collaborative work.

For this edition of the triennial, application was open to artists from the Baltic and the Nordic countries. Among these, Finland was the most active with 118 applications, followed by 102 from Estonia, 81 from Sweden, 64 from Norway, 40 from Latvia and 39 from Lithuania. More modest interest was shown from Denmark and Iceland and in numerous cases, groups were made up of artists from several countries.

The main exhibition of the triennial, entitled The Fine Lines of Constructiveness takes place at Kai Art Center from 5 October 2024 until 16 February 2025.

As in previous years, the triennial is accompanied by a satellite programme consisting of exhibitions, performances, installations and other events that link to the theme of this year’s triennial and highlight applied art and contemporary craft in a broader sense.

Please submit information regarding potential events for the satellite programme no later than 31 May 2024 by filling out this form (LINK).

Tallinn Applied Art Triennial is an international applied art event, established in 1997 with the aim of supporting and empowering the development of the field of applied art and contemporary craft.

Anu Almik

Main exhibitionOpen call

The open call received a high number of applications

01/04/2024

The open call of the main exhibition of the 9th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial received 470 applications. The highest number of submissions came from our Nordic neighbour, Finland with 118 applications, followed by Estonia with 102, Sweden with 81, Norway with 64, Latvia with 40, Lithuania with 39, Denmark with 17 and Iceland with 5 applications. Some of the applications were presented by groups with members from different countries. We extend our sincere gratitude to all participants – we are happy to see such strong interest.

The curator of the exhibition, Maret Sarapu will finalise her selection by 12 April after which we will contact all applicants. The list of artists selected for the main exhibition will be made public within the month of May.

Commenting on the submissions, Maret Sarapu highlighted the fact that artists are actively experimenting with material. “Artists are experimenting with new symbioses or exploring new uses for a variety of materials, they seek a place for materials that have been on the margins or forgotten. I also see a lot of concern about sustainability and the life cycle of materials,” says Sarapu.

Many use slow technologies, which raises the question whether craft as a calming activity is a basic need or luxury. “Working slowly means that the artist takes time to get to know something or someone better, to grieve or to pray,” she explains. Cyanotype, jacquard weave and embroidery were among the more popular techniques. We also received a considerable number of video works.

When it comes to material, textile was among the most popular as well. However, of the 470 submitted works, the highest number of applications presented installations featuring multiple materials.

The main exhibition of the 9th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial The Fine Lines of Constructiveness is open at the Kai Art Center from 5 October 2024 until 16 February 2025.

Anu Almik

Main exhibitionOpen callSatellite

Tallinn Applied Art Triennial announces open calls for its 2024 main exhibition and satellite programme

22/01/2024

22/01/2024

Tallinn Applied Art Triennial announces an open call for its 2024 main exhibition The Fine Lines of Constructiveness. The triennial is also seeking applications for its satellite programme.

The open call for the main exhibition of the 9th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial welcomes applications from artists from the Baltic and the Nordic countries. For the main exhibition, artists will be selected via open call as well as via invitation by the curator.

The 2024 triennial is curated by Maret Sarapu, focusing on constructiveness, rebuilding and moving towards solutions. “For me, constructiveness is above all a willingness to experiment, to look for unexpected collaborations, to innovate and make something new,” says the curator. “Constructiveness can emerge when means are scarce, energy low or when it is understood that we need to be gentle with one another.” It can also appear in natural clear-mindedness. Constructiveness does not mean merely “pointing to the sore points in society” and then stopping there. Thus, we are seeking works that showcase individual or collective methods to move towards solutions.”

The call is open to both individuals and groups from a variety of fields of applied art and contemporary craft. Tallinn Applied Art Triennial seeks works either in physical or digital form. More information about the open call and the thematic focus of the triennial is available HERE. Submissions are open until 15 March 2024 via Typeform HERE.
The main exhibition of the triennial, titled The Fine Lines of Constructiveness opens at Kai Art Center on 4 October 2024 and remains open until 16 February 2025.

As in previous years, the triennial is accompanied by a satellite programme consisting of exhibitions, performances, installations and other events that link to the theme of this year’s triennial and highlight applied art and contemporary craft in a broader sense.

Please submit information regarding potential events for the satellite programme no later than 15 May 2024 to info@trtr.ee. We kindly ask that you include the date, location and a short description of the event in the e-mail. Based on submissions, the triennial compiles the satellite programme by autumn 2024. The triennial introduces the satellite programme in its communications, however, (co)funding for projects is not available.

Tallinn Applied Art Triennial is an international applied art event, established in 1997 with the aim of supporting and empowering the development of the field of applied art and contemporary craft.

Anu Almik

Main exhibition

The triennial welcomes visitors to meet participating artists

28/07/2021

The triennial invites visitors to tours of the exhibition led by participating Estonian artists.

In August, the triennial welcomes visitors to both Estonian and Russian language guided tours, which also feature artists, who introduce their creative processes and impulses. On Wednesday, 4 August at 18.00 the curator’s assistant Keiu Krikmann will introduce the exhibition together with the designer Linda Aasaru. On Saturday, 14 August at 13.00 jewellery artists Julia Maria Künnap, Eve Margus-Villems and Hanna-Maria Vanaküla will discuss their work. Russian-speaking audiences are welcome to a guided tour of the show on Saturday, 14 August at 15.00, conducted by Laura Marija Brunova and the artist and designer Sandra Kosorotova.

In addition to the main exhibition, the triennial also includes an extensive satellite programme. The Windows and the Vault of the A-gallery are currently showcasing jewellery exhibitions “From the Jauntiness of Absence” and “Edge” and at the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design Marta Boan has recently opened her jewellery exhibition “To wear or not to wear”. The installation “In-Tangible”, inspired by the theme of the triennial is currently on view at the central square of the Noblessner quarter and in August Kai Kaljo, Darja Popolitova, Triin Kukk and Merlin Meremaa will be opening their new exhibitions.

Anu Almik

Main exhibition

Videos of the exhibition “Translucency” are now available

28/07/2021

Videos of the exhibition “Translucency” open at the Kai Art Center are available for viewing, featuring participating artists discussing their works.

The videos that supplement the international main exhibition of the 8th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial discuss the central concept of the show, translucency and reveal how artists have interpreted the idea.

The videos feature the curator of the exhibition, the Danish glass artists and art historian Stine Bidstrup, artists Linda Aasaru, Hanna-Maria Vanaküla, Erin Dickson, Ditte Hammerstrøm, Helen Lee, Jiyong Lee, Sissi Westerberg and Wang & Söderström. The individual short videos are available HERE, however, in the auditorium of the Kai Art Center, the clips are screened as a 21-minute film. The videos were created by Aigar Vals.

The main exhibition of the 8th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial includes 21 international artists in a variety of media, such as site specific installations, glass, porcelain, 3D printed objects, jewellery, furniture etc. The exhibition at the Kai Art Center at Noblessner is open until 15 August, from Wednesday to Sunday, 12–19.

Anu Almik

GeneralMain exhibition

The catalogue of the exhibition now available

09/07/2021

The catalogue of the 8th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial is now available HERE.

The catalogue is introduced by the curator of the exhibition Stine Bidstrup, discussing the central concept of the show, translucency, followed by an overview of all the participating artists as well as high quality photos of the artworks. Additionally, the publication features a detailed list of all the works included in the exhibition.

The catalogue concludes with two essays. In her essay “Moments of aliveness”, the architecture and art historian and curator Ingrid Ruudi contemplates the artworks presented at the exhibition and our encounters with material as possibilities to experience unique moments of aliveness.

„To encounter works, objects and materials that are ambivalent, unstable, fragile and temporary means noticing the ambivalence, multiplicity, impermanence and contingency of my own being in the world. But this is not a source of fear and insecurity but enables a heightenened awareness of being in the moment and contact with the other. Letting go of expectations of stability and permanence may lead to rediscovering enchantment and joy. Perceiving myself as flawed, partial and temporary paves way for encountering the human and non-human other from a less hierarchical, more equal basis.“ (from Ingrid Ruudi’s essay)

The essay by the architecture historian at the Royal Danish Academy, Martin Søberg titled “Saturated with light. On architecture and translucent materials“ looks at translucency in the history of architecture. The essay includes numerous photographs.

„The materials of architecture are put together, they carry and are carried, and furthermore become atmosphere-creating, enclosing membranes that allow adjustment and exchange. The phenomenon of translucency is then still about ambiguity, blurring and diffusion, but also about the potential for something new to emerge from the saturated light..“ (from Martin Søberg’s essay)

The catalogue is published both in Estonian and in English. The publication was edited by Keiu Krikmann and designed by Tuumik Stuudio.

The catalogue is sold at 25€, plus shipping costs. To place your order, please contact info@trtr.ee.

 

Anu Almik

Main exhibition

Applied art takes hold of Tallinn

28/05/2021
Photo: Hedi Jaansoo

Tomorrow, on 29 May the international applied art exhibition “Translucency” opens at Kai Art Centre. The main exhibition of the 8th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial is open throughout the summer and is accompanied by an extensive satellite programme with many of the exhibitions opening tonight.

The main exhibition is open until 15 August and focuses on the phenomenon of translucency. Depending on the context, translucency can reveal what is hidden or conceal what is seemingly visible.

“As the theme suggests, the exhibition includes works that play with the optic phenomenon but also those that look at translucency in the context of social behaviour, politics and relationships,” says Merle Kasonen, the chairwoman of the triennial. “Applied artists often focus on specific materials but they also work conceptually. In this exhibition, the conceptual approach is perhaps even more significant than functional qualities.”

Curator Stine Bidstrup. Photo: Hedi Jaansoo

The exhibition “Translucency” is curated by the Danish glass artist and art historian Stine Bidstrup. The 21 artists selected by Bidstrup are presenting new and recent works. The selected works are characterised by playfulness, willingness to experiment and a strong conceptual approach,” says the curator Stin Bidstrup. “The works look at presence and absence, the private and the public, individuality and collectiveness, time and temporality, politics and language, material decay and structural defects.”

Alongside the main exhibition the triennial also has an extensive satellite programme that includes jewellery and glass art, site specific installations and events involving various fields of art. For example, today Tanel Veenre opens his solo exhibition “Organ” at Temnikova & Kasela gallery and Kadri Mälk, Julia Maria Künnap and Kai Koppel present their exhibition “Holy Vessel” at Laboratooriumi street 33. A-gallery invites visitors to Ilona Treiman’s solo show “Fire” in their vault space.

At Okapi gallery, Rait Prääts and Gleb Divov bring together glass art and augmented reality and at the Manufactory Quarter design and applied art students from the Estonian Academy of Arts open a group show titled “Phantasmagoria”, showcasing jewellery, metalwork, ceramics and glass.

The exhibition “Translucency” at Kai Art Center (Peetri 12, Noblessner Quarter) is open from 29 May to 15 August, Wednesday to Sunday, from 12–19.

This Saturday, on 29 May at 13.00 the curator will be giving a tour of the show (in English). Previous registration is required. Register here. An Estonian-language guided tour with the curator’s assistant Keiu Krikmann will take place next Saturday, on 5 June at 13.00.

Photo: Hedi Jaansoo

Participating artists: Linda Aasaru (Estonia), Andrew Bearnot (USA), Erin Dickson (UK), Ditte Hammerstrøm (Denmark), Heidi Bach Hentze (Denmark), Sandra Kosorotova (Estonia), Eeva Käsper (Estonia), Julia Maria Künnap (Estonia), Helen Lee (USA), Jiyong Lee (USA), Eve Margus-Villems (Estonia), Reinoud Oudshoorn (Netherlands), Julija Pociute (Lithuania), Helena Tuudelepp (Estonia), Sandra Vaka (Norway), Hanna-Maria Vanaküla (Estonia), Sissi Westerberg (Sweden), Karlyn Sutherland (UK), Grethe Sørensen (Denmark) and Wang & Söderström (Sweden/Denmark).

Tallinn Applied Art Triennial is organised by NGO Tallinn Applied Art Triennial Society.

Anu Almik

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