Past

Parallels: Estonian and Finnish modernist art

28.9.2024 – 1.12.2024

The exhibition Parallels. Estonian and Finnish modernist art presents the works of Estonian modernist artists represented in the collection of the Art Museum of Estonia and in private collections in dialogues and juxtapositions with the art of the first decades of the 20th century in Finland.

Finnish Modernist art emerged in the early 20th century at a crossroads of two conflicting influences: the creation of romanticised notional myths and symbols: and the Western avant-garde movements emphasising the individuality and autonomy of art and artists. International exhibitions in Helsinki inspired a short-lived but dazzling explosion of colours in Finnish art.

The current display presents the searchers and the rebels: Tyko Sallinen, influenced by Paul Cézanne and French post-impressionism, Eero Snellman with elegant line and surface treatment, Alvar Cawén with sensitive social nerve. Estonian artists representing different faces of modernism have been chosen in dialogue with them: expressionist Peet Aren, vigorous and colourful August Pulst, geometrizing and constructivist Märt Laarman.

Image: Väinö Kunnas, Red Dance, 1927, oil on canvas, Art Museum of Estonia