Tag Archives: Exhibition in the Vault

Back Posted on January 29, 2021February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

GEMSTONES AND FAIRY TAILS

Fascination with gemstones and their colors is as old as humankind itself. The skills and technologies of gemcutting, as well as gemology and thereby the scientific capability to differentiate gems from each other are always advancing. In addition, during just the recent several decades there have been some important gem material discoveries, including tsavorites, tanzanites, and paraiba-type tourmalines.

How many of the highly valued gemstones are known to the general public? In addition to ruby, have you heard about spinels? A name, for example „diamond“, shouldn’t on its own be a reason and the only argument to value something. Nature has created some amazing and wonderful materials that are each unique, and many of them are also much rarer than diamonds. Life and nature are full of colors that deserve to be enjoyed and appreciated.

The purpose of faceting is to bring out a gem’s true potential – colors and sparkle. There’s lots of room to play around while making that kind of precision work. Not just the gem itself has to be unique, so can the cut and shape of it be one of a kind.

All the gemstones in this exhibition are of natural origin and faceted by the artist. Eight of them are set in ear cuffs that were inspired by the characters of the wild stories from childhood – elves, dragons, mages, unicorns, and other mythical creatures. The fantastic sparkle and charm of the world of gemstones can accompany us forever through life – just like emotions from fairy tales.

Rita-Livia Erikson (1990) is an Estonian jewelry artist, gemcutter, and gemologist. She got her education in jewelry art in Estonian Academy of Arts. She started faceting gemstones in 2016 in the United States under master cutter Meg Berry. Gemological education was aquired in Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in 2018-2019.

Rita-Livia combines her skills and knowledge of gemology, gemcutting, and metalsmithing technologies to create unique and wearable pieces of jewelry that would last for generations.

The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.

Back Posted on November 26, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2020

The annual EXHIBITION-SALE 2020 invites visitors to interact with a cross-section of local jewellery art from the past year.

The exhibition converges pieces from over 30 jewellery artists, made in and hence influenced by the meandering ways of the (un)believable and freakish year 2020. The artworks of the annual exhibition are on sale for the whole duration of the exhibition.

The drive of the exhibition is to explore how the force majeure of 2020 has influenced the everyday life and creative processes of the participating artists. The past year has been full of anxiety and worry about the unknown but has given the opportunity to find solace in being in the present. Resting on the imposed need for solitude, stillness holds space for the emergence of inspiration and clears time for facing yourself and to give the introspection a palpable form.

Jewellery artist Liisbeth Kirss: “This year’s restrictions made me take a break during which I could peacefully think or not think about my art. I feel it was very necessary and it couldn’t have happened in any other way.”

At the same time there are artists who were forced to prioritize the pressing financial matters of everyday life before their creative endeavours due to the coronavirus. “I lost my studio recently, because it was in the building of a restaurant in the Old Town and the restaurant went bankrupt. Hence, the pandemic has a quite direct influence on my creative work”, says artist Anni Kagovere. However, in the words of artist Claudia Lepik, the pandemic hasn’t changed the rhythm of her work so far, and the quotidian journeys she makes are as modest as before.

A-Gallery is the representative gallery of local art jewellery as well as a place for meeting artworks from over a hundred different authors. Encompassing different generations, schools, forms and ideas, A-Gallery tells the story of Estonian art jewellery. Each piece is handmade, unique and represents the aesthetics and concept of the artist.

Participating artists:

Krista Laos, Ive-Maria Köögard, Tarvo Porroson, Ülle Mesikäpp, Anne Roolaht, Tea Vellerind, Ihan Toomik, Anni Kagovere, Kertu Vellerind, Mari Relo-Šaulys, Adolfas Šaulys, Urve Küttner, Liisbeth Kirss, Ulvi Haagensen, Ülle Voosalu, Tamara Sergijenko, Claudia Lepik, Ivar Kaasik, Ane Raunam, Kadi Kübarsepp, Ülle Kõuts, Keesi Kapsta, Katrin Veegen, Raili Vinn, Merike Balod, Margit Paulin, Aino Kapsta, Kristi Paap, Kätrin Beljaev, Erle Nemvalts, Melitina Balabin, Nikolai Balabin, Marita Lumi, Ene Valter, Viktorija Lillemets, Rita-Livia Erikson, Sille Luiga, Kristiina Laurits.

Back Posted on November 5, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

A FEAST IN THE TIME OF PLAGUE

Epidemies have always plagued human society. When the previous one is forgotten, the next one knocks on the door. The land is then bedecked with an atmosphere of fear. Institutions are operating as they consider most useful for the society and people must follow with duty, disperse, keep distance and stay under.

The philosopher George Bataille writes in his 1949 book “The Accursed share: An Essay on General Economy” about energy as a resource that is always in excess and raises a choice of either using it beautifully and enjoyably or turning it into a destructive force [1]. During the times of an epidemic, the over-boosting energy of restrained people begins transforming into new forms. The trapped energy can morph into a paranoid destructive rage against the social order. For example, during the second cholera epidemic in Russia, foreign doctors were made to be the culprits.

Surplus energy can be released with partying. Secret and exclusive, these little vortices of life (and death) have a particularly dark, sinful and erotic taste during the times of change. The beautiful waste of excess energy gives birth to a new and unplanned beauty, it creates decameronic fragments of art for the future. These times are interesting but not unique, it has some déjà vu in it!

[1] George Bataille, The Accursed Share: An Essay on General Economy, trans. Robert Hurley, New York: Zone, 1949.

Kätrin Beljaev (1982) has obtained an MA degree from the Estonian Academy of Arts (supervised by Professor Kadri Mälk) in 2015 and has studied in Florence and Porto. She has participated in various exhibitions in Estonia and abroad. As a freelance artist, she has been acknowledged with the grant from Foundation of Young Estonian Jewellery in 2016. Her artwork belongs to the permanent collection of Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design. Current exhibition pieces have been made in the artist residency in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, the old European center of gemstone work.

The artist expresses her gratitude to Estonian Artists Association, Kaarel Sikk, Theo Smeets, Kerli ja Kalmer Koppel, Kristian Beljaev, Rein Beljaev and Restaurant Scheeli.

Special thanks to Krete Beljaev and Indrek Mesi who made it happen!

ARTIST TALK

Back Posted on October 12, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

THE FORGOTTEN ALLURE OF BARBARITY

Indrek Jets´ art mentally travels the darker and more obscure paths of cultural history. His work brings together prehistoric and early medieval ornaments, Baroque forms, Art Nouveau lines, mythical- fantastical atmosphere, uncompromising aggression of Punk culture and dandy-like elegance. Many of his pieces are inspired by archaeological finds with coded ornaments hiding myths and stories. You just have to know how to read them.

Indrek Jets is a teacher, metal artist and has a PhD in archaeology. His academic focus is on early Estonian ornaments. He has created reconstructions of archaeological finds for Estonian National Museum and teaches at the Tallinn University Haapsalu College, Haapsalu Art School and Haapsalu Vocational Education and Training Centre. He has also given lectures at the Ööülikool radio programme.

ARTIST TALK

Back Posted on September 14, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

LOOKS LIKE JEWELLERY

I do not claim the title of a “pure” jeweller. But who could prevent me from doing so? Especially given the fact that I once studied jewellery and metal art in Tallinn. I work episodically, when I have an overload of works in progress and ideas from other creative endeavours. Provoked by such high-sounding titles as Amber Trip, Silver Festival, Metallophone and others, I sometimes get myself into this, yet I think of myself as not belonging to this guild, I mean, the guild of jewellers… So, I have an ambiguous approach. But I really care about all this. I would describe the style of my works as industrial. That is why the materials that I use are far from elite, namely, aluminum, bronze, quartz, ready-mades, fragments of metal tools… And, oh yes, sometimes amber. I put myself into your (professional) hands.

Best of luck with your criticism!

Best regards,
Romualdas

Romualdas Inčirauskas (1950) studied metal at Higher School of Applied Art in Telšiai and at ERKI (the State Art Institute of the Estonian SSR). His artistic production encompasses the decorative – conceptual metalwork, sculpture, medals and painting. He is a member of the Lithuanian Artist’s Association since 1986 and FIDEM (International Medallist’s Federation) since 1998. In addition to exhibiting at numerous exhibitions since 1978, Inčirauskas’ works have been acquired by Lithuanian National Museum, Vilnius Gaon Jewish State Museum, National Museum of M.K.Čiurlionis, Maironis Literary Museum, Museum of Chiune Sugihara in Kaunas, Vincas Gėlė Museum (Naisiai. Šiaulių region), Samogitian Art Museum (Plungė), Samogitian Museum Alka (Telšiai), A. Baranauskas and A. Vienuolis – Žukauskas Literary Museum (Anykščiai), Nelimarkka Museum (Alajarvi, Finland), Basis School of Sculpture Museum (Tel Aviv) and the British Museum (London). His works are held in private collections in Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, Israel, Germany, Italy, Japan, Austria, Sweden, USA and elsewhere.

ARTIST TALK

Back Posted on August 14, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

SOURCES OF VIRTUE

Erle Nemvalts’ exhibition SOURCES OF VIRTUE was chosen as the best VAULT exhibition of A-Gallery in 2020.

The exhibition, titled SOURCES OF VIRTUE, ponders upon the evergreen search for ethical modes of existence in uncertain contemporary times.

“Throughout times people have been striving towards universal virtuousness. Despite that, it is very difficult to find a domain of human activity, where ethical or moral compromises are not being made in favour of some specific group. Time after time, the interests of narrow groups have been wreaking havoc on both themselves and their surroundings. Yet this is nothing new. Mankind has often been on the brink of destruction, but somehow managed to survive, and will likely do so in the future. The question is not in survival, but rather in the core values of continued existence.” – Nemvalts, Erle, on the quest for sources of virtue, 2020.

Erle Nemvalts is a jewellery artist pursuing master’s degree in Estonian Academy of Arts. Her works are mainly concentrated on patterns and peculiarities of human behaviour. Her works have been exhibited in several group exhibitions both in Estonia as well as abroad, in 2019 she received the special prize of Young Jewellery Foundation. SOURCES OF VIRTUE is her second solo exhibition.

Supporters: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Suhkruingel. Special thanks to: Cathrin Kaldmaa, Kaur Virkebau, Riina Kütt, Urmas Nemvalts, Valdek Laur.

Back Posted on July 20, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

COME TO THE WOODS. GO TO THE WOODS. BE IN THE WOODS. IN THE WOODS.

The woods and its creatures are a part of us, they are our kin – we cannot do without them. We have to care for our close ones.

During the recent years, I have dedicated my jewellery to the protection of endangered species. Wolves, white-tailed eagles, bears, deer, flying squirrels and other animals are represented in my works because I want to bring them to attention, to protect them in my own fashion.

With this exhibition, I present new works of silver jewellery with precious stones.

To accompany the jewellery, I am presenting my graduation work tutored by Heinz Valk – a cast bronze table. From the same period, but already after the graduation from the Academy of Arts, I am displaying etched nickel silver brooches.

I have prepared this exhibition with great joy. Of course, the creative process has included distress and arguing with myself, but altogether it has been an exciting walk.

Anne Roolaht (1959) studied jewellery at the Estonian Academy of Arts in the years 1984 – 1989. Anne says that she always makes jewellery with joy, and you can feel it. She also teaches at Viimsi art school, and finds it magnificent. Anne has participated in exhibitions in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, England and Ireland since 1988. Her jewellery is worn all over the world.

ARTIST TALK

Back Posted on June 22, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

TIME

TIME, a celebration of the 85. birthday of the filigree-master Aino Kapsta, is an overview of her works created over the recent years.

“My exhibition is a cross-section of the ideas I have arrived at when working in my beloved filigree technique which has fascinated me for decades now. I have often found myself starting from the centre, then moving towards the edges – a process I have discovered to closely resemble making of mandalas. Into each element and detail I have laid good thoughts. Making this exhibition was a kind of therapy for me: I was deeply at peace and experienced the lightness of overwhelming joy.

The show includes three autonomous sets of works: brooches, pendants and neck pieces.

The brooches carry the initial vision of the show, the luminescence of clouds, while the pendants and neck pieces pushed the concept forward. Mostly, I chose to use semi-precious stones. Quartz with its brightness fits my vision perfectly, the powerful essence of garnets and the warmth of topaz is supported by gold spheres. I wish for the inner peace and harmony to radiate to the viewers through my work.”

Aino Kapsta was born in Saaremaa in 1935. She graduated from Kuressaare Secondary School and continued her studies at the State Art Institute. Although Kapsta’s first choice was sculpture, in 1961 she graduated from the Metal Department and in 1966 became a member of the Estonian Artists’ Association. It is probably thanks to her sculpture studies that she created several panels, fountains, decorative metal grids, clocks, and sculptures in Narva, Tartu, Moscow, Jurmala and Saaremaa, many of them in collaboration with Mai Mägi.

Even though Kapsta has always enjoyed experimenting with materials and techniques, due to circumstances brass, red copper, bronze, melchior, and new silver remained her favourite materials for a long time. A wide selection of these items belongs to the collection of Estonian Applied Art and Design Museum.

Freedom to use precious metals allowed for experimenting with new techniques. For example, melting numerous small details into various compositions, and of course, filigree technique, which is creatively extremely satisfying due to its complexity and abundant detail, while being simultaneously fragile and delicate, yet powerful and resilient.

ARTIST TALK

Back Posted on May 28, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

PARTY’S OVER

The exhibition, initially titled PARTY, was intended to take place in April. In the winds of the historical events, it developed into a new iteration – PARTY’S OVER.

The objects presented at the exhibition can be seen as a bittersweet quest to finding sanctity in contemporary life that is often void of meaning. Through the prism of absurdity, the exhibition ponders on the use and uselessness of the celebratory state of mind, as well as the use in said uselessness.

Below some notes of a party that’s over:

“The party is over. Why, with whom, when, where, to whom, how – these details do not matter. What matters is whether the party was fun or not.”

– I have noticed that in Estonia many things, like childhood, school time, and even life itself, are trivially compared to a party. Party seems like a simple pleasure – responsibility and rules do not play a remarkable role, as one can only participate and doesn’t have to worry about the organizing.

– The phrase ‘party’s over’ is also thrown into the air very lightly. Party as an adjective is uniformly applied to the whole period before the disaster. It is noted with a bittersweetness that time seems to reveal a pattern, a regularity, that the good times don’t last and punishment for them is certain. Situations where the phrase “party’s over” is used are usually not appropriate for it, because a party is valued by how special and extraordinary it is. The disaster that makes people say ‘party’s over’ is not the opposite of a party. For me, the opposite of a party is a smooth passage of time without special moments. A quick change, a surprise, means that the party has just begun.

– A party is a revolt against the steady passing of time. Party wins moments but loses to eternity. Eternity will always be boring. I do not believe that man should go through his life doomed dull forever. Instead, time should be wasted, so the indifference of time could be resisted. Moments must be heightened.

Parties can be life-changing or at least they celebrate life-changing events. What should I remember, commemorate, celebrate, forget? Birth, birthday, marriage, funeral, in memoriam day, Easter, Midsummer’s day, Halloween, Christmas, ordinary get-togethers, complete ragers, weeks of binge drinking – just to name a few. Has partying become outdated? Half from the list of celebrations have become very rare occasions in my life. Would more parties save humanity? Save from what? From an eternity of boredom probably.

Sille Luiga (1994) is a master student of jewelry art at the Estonian Academy of Arts and has also studied in Italy and Belgium. Recent exhibitions she has participated in are NID SHOWROOM in London, XENTE NOVA in Santiago de Compostela and JEWELRY AND ANATOMY in Porto. The exhibition PARTY’S OVER is her first solo exhibition. With her objects she wishes to explore ideas about decorating and adorning in a broad absurd embracing way. Soon Sille will defend her master’s thesis on the same topics.

Back Posted on February 27, 2020February 2, 2022 by A-galerii

DARK WATER

In his first solo exhibition, Edgar Volkov deals with the potential of water to be the bearer of change. While thinking about the surface of water as a border between states of being, he is interested in the experience of encountering the unknown and when the encounter becomes acknowledged as a change. The works he presents are hand engraved silver brooches covered in dark enamel.

“How dark is the water that surrounds us? What lies beneath the surface, in the bottomless dark? Do we dare to take a look?
And what will we find when we dip our fingers in the waters? Will we find what’s been lost? And when we get lost and resurface from the depths, will we be the same as we once were?”

Edgar Volkov is a jewellery artist. He graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts in 2015 specializing in jewelry (BA). He is working at Roman Tavast. He has taken part of group exhibitions Vari at the courtyard of Estonian Academy of Arts (2014), Ferromenaalne at Tallinn City Gallery (2014) and Pinna all at St John’s Almshouse Museum (2016).

ARTIST TALK

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