Creative art is an outlet for not only the artist, composer, writer but for the viewer, listener and reader. While we all love beautiful music perhaps art that is appreciated through sight may just leave the greatest impact. Vision is not only the world of the artist but of the quiet participant, viewer.

To enjoy art in silence, of one’s own choice in this increasingly clamorous world is a treasure not enjoyed often enough. Visual arts, in the classic fields of painting, sculpture and mosaics, other forms provide results that are myriad through the approach of both creator and viewer. However, such work often takes a back seat to what has been produced for the screen, both small and large. Technology has introduced voice and music to that field, thus perhaps denying the audience of the power of simple introspection, making up one’s own mind, of interpretation. In other words, taking the artist’s view as presented, understanding and recognizing what that has in common with personal taste. Which, is as is known, cannot be disputed even if mutual agreement cannot be found.

Hence the enjoyment of a well-curated art exhibition. Such as “Baltic Unity”, presented by The Society of Estonian Artists in Toronto (EKKT) at the Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre in the Galerija Hall, an intimate and well-designed space for such an event. The exhibition, the 68th by EKKT was the second part of their annual show, opening on September 30th and running until October 3rd. For those unable to attend in person modern technology, while often intrusive yet also welcoming in its wide dissemination provides an art lover access to the virtual show. Found at https://www.estonianartiststor...

EKKT president Elva Palo opened the exhibition with a timely speech reflecting on the season, one of giving thanks for Nature’s bounty as well as expressing gratitude for the security and shelter provided to many by this country. The Baltic unity theme was expressed through exhibiting the works of guest artists, of Latvian, Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Indigenous origin. Montréal’s Hille Viires greeted on behalf of the Baltic artists organization there. Liina Purje-Lepik and Erik Laar provided musical entertainment, presenting Estonian children’s songs, accompanied by guitar, xylophone and hi-tech computerized technology. Again reflecting our changing world.

Support for Ukraine and its people was expressed in the eye-catching work of Rauno Jõks and the installation of Reet and Tom Mae, especially “Bound by Struggle/Ühises Võitluses” featuring photos attached to cardboard boxes placed in a geometrical surround with lights, photos and the national colours of Ukraine and the Baltic countries. A wonderful way to show unity.

A historical photo taken in Koeru Parish, a place with which the artist has ancestral ties and where the family farmstead is being restored, inspired Maarika Lepik’s mixed media on paper work “Koeru”. Lepik recently visited Koeru and enjoyed not only connecting with her roots but the feeling of belonging, most certainly expressed in this soft yet powerful depiction of togetherness.

“Frost/Härmatis”, an oil pastel and ink on wood panel creation by Laani Teetsov also captured not only eyes but also the insight created by the mind. The use of Estonia’s national colours in a repeating yet unique format reminded one of both the wonderful patterns woven by the marriage of cold and water on windowpanes as well as those found on Estonian folk dress stockings, belts and winter mittens (suka-, vöö- ja kindakirjad).

Latvian guest artist Ruta Wilson’s reclaimed metal with amber inlay composition “I Sveikata”, which translates as to your health, or more archaically bless you demanded attention. Baltic amber, of which most Estonians probably have a piece of in the from of jewelry is another uniting force of commonality, enjoyment of nature’s blessings in the littoral.

Baltic comestibles such as pirukad, in Latvian pīrāgi and kringel, (the same in Estonian and Latvian) were enjoyed by the well-attended exhibition, supporters of our art scene. Many are looking forward to EKKT’s next such exhibition, emphasizing the importance of unity while not forgetting our individual culture and national heritage.

TÕNU NAELAPEA

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video: Maimu Mölder
Photos: Jaak Järve

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