The Society of Estonian Artists in Toronto (EKKT) celebrated 68 years of annual exhibitions with the formal opening of the aptly named “Messages of Balance” at The Papermill Gallery at Todmorden Mills. The gallery is a wonderful choice, a historic building renovated so well that the art on the walls is truly the focus. Location matters, centrally sited, close to major arteries and this was reflected by the attendance of many, not only Estonian-Canadians on September 9th. The exhibition will continue there until September 24th; part 2 of EKKT’s offering, “Baltic Unity” will open September 30th with a reception at the Latvian Centre.

The enjoyment of art, as with all results of creative efforts is highly personal and as result subjective according to taste. It can certainly be said that every single painting, creation in many forms of the art merited study and the ensuing pleasure brought by the artist’s vision. EKKT’s Virtual Show is online until the first of January 2024 at https://www.estonianartiststor...

To single out individual works of art is not to diminish the value of all the others; rather it is to emphasize that personal taste noted above. Three that stood out were Tiina Pedel’s “Emergence”, watercolour and ink, that subtly underlines the message of balance yet individuality not only blending in but appearing from that marriage. A long-time favourite is Jaan Teng, his “Oleviste Kirik, Tallinn #707” (acrylic on canvas) certainly caught the eye and made one wish for a return visit to the Estonian capital soon. Jaak Järve’s digital print “Estonians", inspired by his own creation, a poster from the Baltic Bash of 1984 was given a focal point on an end wall, justifiably so. The artist was present to explain the inspiration, beyond the three national colours of blue, black and white on a long rectangular background, which were self-evident. The white spots represented a small nation, the people in line, linked in togetherness, much as the viewer observed, like the famous Baltic chain of 1989. The central figures had pillars of black smoke above them, much as a the unity of small nation of individuals is often under fire from forces beyond recognized boundaries. Powerful, yet also subtle, a quality that makes a thought leap to others, beyond the frame required to bring it to attention.

Guest artists exhibited included those from The Baltic Artists’ Association, Society of Latvian Artists in Canada, Ukrainian Association of Visual Artists of Canada and Women’s Art Association of Canada. The formal opening featured speeches from diplomats, politicians and local dignitaries. The keynote address was by VEMU Chief Archivist Piret Noorhani. All emphasized EKKT’s understanding that creativity as the language of self-reflection is of great importance in maintaining our cultural identity abroad.

Kudos to EEKT President Elva Palo and her team of volunteers for yet another wonderfully curated and organized art exhibition. A welcome harbinger of fall and a confirmation of unity and balance within our creative community.

TÕNU NAELAPEA

Eestlased Kanadas

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