TRANSMISSION, as a term, signifies the act of transferring: in practice, it refers to the conveyance of force, energy, and control. It also encompasses the transfer of thoughts and ideas, from one entity to another. Thus, every belief encompasses transmission, an intelligent organizing energy that can catalyze change.
The title TRANSMISSION in this exhibition’s context arbitrarily interprets the English term and emphasizes on the part ‘mission,’ highlighting purpose-driven and responsible action.
Memory is selective; objects retain and aid in our recollection. Jewellery is remembered, and through it, people and time. Throughout history, jewellery has been a carrier of memory. With this focus, we turn our gaze to a time when the entire art scene in Estonia was undergoing significant changes. Figuratively speaking, it was a time when doors were closing and opening—some slammed shut with a bang, others were gently kicked wide, all with a touch of arrogance and sincere enthusiasm.
The TRANSMISSION exhibition evokes a period from 30 years ago. On May 10, 1994, in the premises of the present-day HOP Gallery of the Estonian Artists’ Union, situated at Hobusepea 2, a distinctive gallery devoted to art jewellery was inaugurated through the financial backing and collaborative effort of 33 artists. The core of this exhibition consists of the works of these artists from the 1990s. Despite the relatively homogeneous closed learning and development environment, their jewellery creations were explorative and distinctive. Among them are artists who have since passed away, but fortunately, many talented new artists have emerged. Do we also find influences and traces of the 1990s in the works of these younger creators—contemporary ideas intermingling with those from the past? What has been added over time, and what has been lost? The curators do not deny that, in compiling the exhibition, they sought similarities and kinship rather than conflicts, with a hidden desire to witness transmissions and inspirations stemming from the pivotal jewelry art of that era.
The exhibition aims to pay homage to the pioneers, to all fellow travelers, and extends wishes of strength to those continuing the mission of A-Galerii. Today is tomorrow’s yesterday.
Exhibition curators: Tiina Käesel and Maria Valdma-Härm
Exhibition design: Maria Valdma-Härm
Graphic design: Rasmus Lukas
The exhibition features video clips from the ERR archive: “Estonian Jewellery” (parts 1 and 3, year 1990), director Tiina Pork, consultant Tiina Käesel.
The exhibition is supported by the Estonian Cultural Endowment.
Thanks to: Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design and Ketli Tiitsar.