The traditional annual exhibition of the Estonian Painters’ Association at Haus Gallery this time deals with symbols, signs, beings, views, habits and non-habits, which are related to Estonia. Artworks are inspired by social phenomena in Estonia but formed in a personal antisocial way common for creative peole; not by illustrating, but by analysing what is happening or has happened during the revival of a 100-year old country.

Curator and designer of the exhibition, Mall Nukke: “Art works can be created in the spirit of Valdur Mikita’s “The Art of Listening to Chanterelle Mushrooms” in which Estonianness stands for the shamanic creative power, for the mythogeographic sense of place incomprehensible for rest of Old Europe. Or in the ancient absurd spirit of Andrus Kivirähk’s “The Old Barny”. e-Estonia could also be a source of inspiration: Skype, smartphone-sickness, surfing, Silicon Valley start-ups, and globalisation. Or emigration as well, the white ship dreams, Soviet-era Estonia, political world map, our neighbours, etc.”

The artists have been encouraged to find their personal EST symbol or paraphrase the existing one and have an Estonian-like bit sarcastic attitude towards the topic. They also had a chance to comment their artwork by adding some sentences.

Participating artists: Stanislav Antipov, Ivi Arrak, Jüri Arrak, Herlet Elvisto, Mauri Gross, Eva Jänes, Ene Korstnik, Eneli Luiga, Karl-Kristjan Nagel, Mall Nukke, Mall Paris, Jane Remm, Mari Roosvalt, Uno Roosvalt, Rait Rosin, Andrus Rõuk, Kätlin Stahl, Аnatoli Strahhov, Urve Sunny-Dzidzaria, Maret Suurmets Kuura, Tiina Tammetalu, Margus Tiitsmaa, Heli Tuksam.