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ISMINI PACHI, SANDER HAUGAS / KERTU VELLERIND

On Friday June 30 two exhibitions will be opened on A-Gallery WINDOWS: TWO² by Ismini Pachi (GRC) and Sander Haugas (EE), HEAD by Kertu Vellerind (EE). The exhibitions will stay up on the gallery windows until August 13.

TWO²

Ismini Pachi and Sander Haugas

‘’Most of my days are filled with uncomfortable nonsense. If something starts with an alarm(!)clock, it probably sets the tone for the following. It takes a cup of coffee or 2 just to get me going and that’s the most natural part of the day.

We cheat our bodies and minds from dusk till dawn and there is no other way around. No shortcut is efficient, no lunch is for free. It’s all about the „daily grind”. The trick is to find soft spots where they are to be found and not to bang one’s head against a brick wall, so to speak.

The “Well-earned daily grind” series is about the life I know, the trade I practise, the people I love and the pleasure I get from it all. It’s an ode for common sense and a gesture of love. Always…’’ —— Sander

‘’Most of my days are anxious and noisy. I am surrounded by people speaking languages I don’t understand, trying to mould myself to fit in the given space. In this constant giving and taking that life requires, I need more time. I shield myself with strength and honesty and carefully choose strong connections. It sounds fragile but actually it’s not.

Craftsmanship brings me down to earth, in communication with my body. It is the time for myself, a time to slow down and silently observe the earthy material taking over and transforming into shapes that soothe my soul. It grounds me, connects me with my roots, bridges the long journey I have made with the open roads ahead of me…” —— Ismini

This exhibition is a dialogue in which the artists research the limits and strength of different materials and question whether power can be crafted.Sander Haugas presents a fresh series of body pieces and objects named “Well-earned daily grind”. He uses techniques such as forging, brazing and upholstering and materials like steel, brass, velvet, plexiglass and an old sock. Ismini Pachi’s “Crafted Power” is a collection of jewellery pieces and body objects. The pieces have been made using porcelain slip casting and silversmithing techniques. All the artworks have been  made in 2023 and haven’t been shown before.

TWO² means power. The power of two. Two cultures, two materials, two qualities, four crafting hands.

Sander Haugas (1983) is a practising blacksmith, sculpture technician, student of architecture and a lecturer at Estonian Academy of Arts. After graduating his BA studies in sculpture at Tartu Art College (2003-2008), Sander Haugas continued his

professional career as an apprentice at blacksmith Ivar Feldmann’s workshop (2007-2012). In 2012, Sander started his own blacksmith workshop while also practising as a sculpture technician. In 2020, he received his MA degree (cum laude), accompanied with “Young Applied Artist Award” in blacksmithing and Jewellery at Estonian Academy of Arts. Starting from 2020, he is a student in architecture department at Estonian Academy of Arts. Sander Haugas has also worked as a sculpture department technician at EKA (2018-2020) and a lecturer inTartu Art college (2013-2016) and at Estonian Academy of arts (from 2018).

Ismini Pachi (1984) is a Greek jewellery artist and educator, who for the past five years lives in Estonia. She holds a BA in Philosophy , Pedagogy and Psychology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2008). After her BA studies she attended jewellery and sculpture courses at the Chalkis Jewellery School – Eric Robbert (Greece) and started working as an independent jewellery artist actively participating in worldwide

exhibitions. In 2021 she acquired a MA in Jewellery from the Design and Crafts faculty of the Estonian Academy of Arts (cum laude).Her graduation work was nominated for the ‘’Young Applied Artists Award’’. Since 2021 she is working as an art educator at the International School of Tallinn.

HEAD

Kertu Vellerind

MIGHT TWIST STRANGELY

A NAIL HIT SPOT ON ITS HEAD,

IS THE PENCIL SHARP ENOUGH TO CUT THE BREAD

OR THE DOUGH STILL TOO WET INSIDE THE HEAD?

SOON THE HEADLESS MAN

A BOUNTY OFF HIS HEAD SHALL LIFT

HEAD ON — HEAD OFF, FOR HIM IT MATTERS NOT

ARE THE SHOULDERS TOPPED BY A CABBAGE OR A POT?

TWO HEADS IS WHAT NOTHING WILL TOP!

KERTU VELLERIND

An exhibition is a brief pause — an opportunity to take a breath before rushing forward in life once again. Artist Kertu Vellerind’s window exhibition will certainly turn heads and urge you to think with your head. Headlines have always been important to her, the titles of her work carry a strong message. As an Estonian, the artist worries about the fate of our small nation’s mother tongue and enjoys the beautiful sound and multivalence of this language. Thus, her jewellery titles are cleverly infused with wordplay.

Vellerind has explained that she mostly uses silver and “peakivi” (a play on “paekivi,” meaning limestone, but literally reads “headstone”) in her exhibition works. According to her, “peakivi” is incredibly beautiful, multifaceted, and we should be proud of it. Likewise, the artist does not shy away from Estonia’s national jewellery heritage. Allegedly, to draw inspiration, she speeds around on spoked coin pendant wheels and occasionally gets lost in the forest.

Kertu Vellerind (1967) creates charmingly witty Estonian jewellery art. In 1997, she obtained a master’s degree from the Estonian Academy of Arts, specializing in metal art. She has additionally studied in Finland and Germany. Since 1995, the artist has been working as a freelancer and is a member of the Estonian Artists’ Association and the Estonian Association of Metal Artists. Vellerind has participated in numerous group exhibitions both in Estonia and abroad, including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Belgium, Italy, and the United States.  In her own words, she mostly enjoys organizing solo exhibitions every five years, when a round number comes up once again. She has been recognized in several international competitions, and in 2018, she and Urve Küttner were awarded the Ede Kurrel Prize.

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E-MAIL

E
Enameling is an old technique related to jewellery making.

N
Enamel is a hard substance like glass, milled into fine powder.

A
When melted in a kiln, its used to provide a smooth surface on metal for decoration.

M
Requires a separate area for the kiln to melt it;

E
An open space upon which hot objects can be safely spaced afterwards.

L
Free and adequate storage space for materials to keep them dust-free.

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ANNUAL BEST VAULT EXHIBITION COMPETITION

Since 2007, the A-Gallery has been selecting the best Vault exhibition every year. The aim of the competition is to appreciate the masterful achievements of jewellery artists in their work. The winner will be determined by the shareholders of A-Gallery.

2023 – Lia Tüür’s memorial exhibition TOUCHED BY FINE LINE, curated by Ketli Tiitsar

2022 – Irene Jürna FINDINGS

2021 – Taavi Teevet SINGLE COPY

2020 – Erle Nemvalts SOURCES OF VIRTUE

2019 – MEMORY CARDS EXHIBITION OF A-GALLERY ARTISTS

2018 – Marita Lumi A BETTER TOMORROW

2017 – Kertu Vellerind FACEBOOK

2016 – Caius Kull (H)AAKRIK

2015 – Mari-Relo Šaulys ja Adolfas Šaulys VERTICAL

2014 – Mari Pärtelpoeg CIRCLES

2013 – Leida Ilo SOUL BOATS

2012 – Urmas Ott (Hans-Otto Ojaste ja Urmas Lüüs) SHELTER 2415

2011 – Ülle Kõuts WATER

2010 – Kaire Rannik INONOTUS OBLIQUUS

2009 – Maria Valdma DUST

2008 – Katrin Amos DRAWERINGS

2007 – Katrin Veegen LAURELS

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Balašov x Vellerind x Kotselainen

BALAŠOV x VELLERIND x KOTSELAINEN creates an insight into the transmission of the spirit of metal art between generations on the example of three families. Mother and daughter Tea and Kertu Vellerind, father and son Andrei and Igor Balašov and brother and sister Katarina and Kalle Kotselainen will participate in the exhibition.

“You can’t pass on your knowledge more heartily or passionately than by growing together, playing at the grassroots level. There is something sincere, joyful and reverent in this unconscious transmission of the metal spirit, which infects the following generations with knowledge and creativity,” says A-Gallery gallerist and jewellery artist Marita Lumi about the exhibition.


RELIQUARY
Andrei Balašov

“The mini sculptures in the exhibition are made with a principle inspired by the Middle Ages. A reliquary is a thing, a box or an unfolding storage in which very sacred and valuable things are stored. Reliquaries can be found, for example, in Catholic and Orthodox churches.
The exhibition presents four silver figures, three of which are reliquaries. The figure of a woman is LILY, or woman as a temptress, the second is WAITING FOR THE SUN with a red stone, and the third is SAINT SEBASTIAN pierced with arrows.”

Andrei Balašov (b. 1965) graduated from Tallinn Art University and improved his education at the Lahti Design Institute. His works have been shown, among others, at the Tallinn Applied Art Triennale, in galleries SOFA (Chicago), Sienna Gallery (Lenox, USA), Galerie Beeld Aambeeld (Enschede, Netherlands), Gallery Chic Choc (Berlin), Gallery Stockgard (Siuntio, Finland) and Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design.

BORDER POSTS
Igor Balašov

“Our understanding of the structure of the world is sometimes beautiful illusion. The metaphor of the cornerstone as an unshakable boundary loses its meaning.

The year was 1990. These works are like a relationship between two countries. Like border posts.

One of the posts has the symbols of one country and graphic details are used, for example, Orthodox symbols and the time of the council. On the other, the Estonian coat of arms and crown – symbols of the republic. “

Igor Balašov (b. 1940 in Russia) is a meritorious Estonian sculptor and member of Estonian Artists’ Association, studied at  Estonian Applied Art Institute in 1959-1965. Perhaps his most famous artwork is TELESILM (TV-eye), which decorates the building of Estonian Television. Balašov has also created monumental sculptures elsewhere – his works are in Osaka, Japan, Moscow, Russia, Ukraine and the Netherlands. He has participated in prestigious art fairs and exhibitions all over the world, and his works belong to the collections of prestigious foundations and museums (Estonian Art Museum, Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Museum, etc.).

BALANCE
Tea Vellerind

“The idea of my works is balance. Since I once wanted to become an architect, I am still interested in the balance of spatial volumes, simplicity and conciseness.
Everyone has their golden ratio, and I’m looking for mine.”

Tea Vellerind (b. 1939 in Rakvere) graduated from Estonian Applied Art Institute  with a specialization in metal construction. From 1966, she worked as an artist at the Ars-Juveel factory. Tea has participated in numerous individual and group exhibitions both at home and abroad, among others at the Art Salon (today’s Art Building Gallery), Tallinn City Museum, Tampere Art Building Gallery, A-Gallery and Riga Old Town Gallery. She is a member of the Estonian Artists’ Association and a founding member of the jewellery company OÜ Kuldgraal. In 2017, Tea was the laureate of the Ede Kurrel annual award of the Estonian Metal Artists’ Association.

BLOCKHEAD
Kertu Vellerind

“My works always have specific titles, because the message in the jewellery is important to me. I enjoy the game with the Estonian language. I interpret this exhibition as a haiku:

vinguv tuul kõle / whining wind desolate
sasides aju mõtted peas /ruffle brain thoughts in head
mängin keelega / I play with tongue.“

Kertu Vellerind (b. 1967) studied at Estonian Academy of Arts in Metal Department (BA and MA) , at the Lahti Design Institute in Finland and the Drawing Academy of Hanau on the Main in Germany. Kertu has participated in exhibitions both in Estonia and abroad. Since 2016, together with Urve Küttner, she has been a laureate of the Ede Kurrel annual award. In the same year, she was awarded the 3rd place at the Biennale of International Enamel Art in Vilnius, Lithuania. In 2017, Kertu was a nominee of the jewellery competition “Eesti Ehe 2017 – EV 100” organized by the Estonian Gold and Watchmakers’ Union and the laureate of the best annual exhibition 2017 of the A-Gallery.

A LITTLE LUXURY II
Katarina Kotselainen
, Kalle Kotselainen

“We were born into a family where we have always been good at doing things with our hands. Family-wise, I am surrounded by the jewellery mafia, as I jokingly sayto myself, because my boyfriend, father, brother and sister-in-law also make jewellery. I grew up in different cities in Finland, and although traveling is in my blood, I am driven primarily by sentimentality to make jewellery. For me, jewellery is something very personal and associated with memories of people, places and feelings. If my works also evoke positive feelings in the viewer, then I am happy that I have been able to make someone’s day a little bit better.”- Katarina

Katarina Kotselainen (b. 1982 in Tartu) studied at Estonian Academy of Arts (2006 EKA BA, 2010 EKA MA) and improved her education repeatedly in Germany and Norway. Since 2002, Katarina has participated in exhibitions in different parts of the world.

Kalle Kotselainen (b. 1981 in Tartu): “I like the appreciation of the material in damask. By forging different metals together, a unique pattern is born every time. Damascus steel goes well with other metals.” Kalle Kotselainen has been designing and making precious metal jewellery for over ten years. He graduated from Vana-Vigala Technical and Service School blacksmith specialty in 2019.

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2017 parim Seifinäitus

11. jaanuaril kuulutati A-Galeriis välja 2017. aasta Parim Seifinäitus, milleks osutus Kertu Vellerinna näitus FACEBOOK/NÄORAAMAT.  

A-Galerii on professionaalsete metallikunstnike loomingut esindav ehtegalerii, mille tegevuste hulka kuulub ka ajaloolises seifis näituste korraldamine. A-Galerii algatas 2007. aastal Parima Seifinäituse preemia eesmärgiga tunnustada loominguga aktiivselt tegelevaid kolleege. Sellest ajast on traditsioon mööduvat aastat kokkuvõtval peol valida ja välja kuulutada aasta parim seifinäitus ning anda üle preemia.  

2017. aasta Parima Seifinäituse preemia saanud ehtekunstnik Kertu Vellerind kirjeldab oma näituse sisu tabavalt luulevormis:   NÄORAAMAT/FACEBOOK (Mida mina, kellel FB konto puudub, sellest arvan)   ÜKS VEEBIPÕHINE ÜÜRATU VÕRGUSTIK – MINU JAOKS TÄIESTI TUNDMATU KÕRGUSTIK ENDAST FOTOSID PILDISTA, SILDISTA RIPUTA, RAPUTA PASSIIVSELT – AKTIIVSELT ELU JAGA JA SEGA SHEERI VÕI KOMMENTEERI HUVILÄHTUVALT GRUPEERI LIIDA VÕI LAHUTA KOOSELUSID NAHUTA ELA KAASA JA LAIGI KUNI SÜDAMES LÄIGIB OHTRALT SÕPRU SAAD LISADA VÕI SÕNUMEIS KISADA, ET: „SIHIPÄRATULT AEGA MINA EI KULUTA!   Näituse kujundas Tea Tammelaan.   Kertu Vellerind (s 1967 Tallinnas): „EKA metallehistöö kateedris veetsin kokku üheksa aastat – sinna mahtus nii bakalaureuse- kui ka magistrikraad, täiendõpe Lahti Disainiinstituudis Soomes 1992 ja Maini-äärse Hanau Joonestusakadeemias Saksamaal 1993, üks aasta akadeemilist puhkust ning kolm toredat suve ERKI Soome-Ugri ekspeditsiooni liikmena 1990–1992. Vabakutselise ehtekunstnikuna töötan aastast 1995, aasta hiljem astusin EKL-i liikmeks.

Näitustest olen osa võtnud omajagu nii Eestis kui ka väljaspool. 2016. aastast olen Ede Kurreli nimelise aastapreemia laureaat.“

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FACEBOOK

FACEBOOK (What do I think about it as a person who doesn’t have a FB account)

ONE IMMENSE WEB-BASED NETWORK
FOR ME A TOTALLY UNKNOWN HIGHLAND
TAKE PHOTOS OF YOURSELF
TAG, UPLOAD, SHAKE
PASSIVELY – ACTIVELY
GIVE OUT AND STIR
SHARE OR COMMENT LIFE
ACCORDING TO YOUR INTERESTS
GROUP, ADD OR DIVIDE
CRITISIZE PARTNERSHIPS
REACT AND LIKE
UNTIL YOU FEEL SICK
ADD LOTS OF FRIENDS
OR RANT IN MESSAGES
THAT YOU ARE NOT
WASTING YOUR TIME
PURPOSELESSLY!

Kertu Vellerind (b. 1967 in Tallinn)
I spent nine years in the department of metal art at the Estonian Academy of Arts – including BA and MA studies, advanced courses in Lahti Institute of Design in Finland (1992) and Hanau Drawing Academy in Germany (1993), one year of academic leave and three wonderful summers as a member of the Fenno-Ugric expedition of SAIE in 1990–1992. Since 1995 I have been a freelance artist, since 1996 a member of the Estonian Artists’ Association. I have participated in many exhibitions in Estonia and abroad. In 2016 I was awarded Ede Kurrel Annual Art Prize.

Exhibition designed by Tea Tammelaan.
Exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.