Tallinn Music Week offers a variety of different events. Most concerts kick off on Thursday, but before that, there’s time to enjoy the first warm spring days and get inspired in small old town galleries. Here’s my TOP 3 from the TMW Arts program:
“Beauty and the beast” is a joint exhibition by legendary Estonian painter Tiit Pääsuke and Kris Lemsalu, who is a rising star in contemporary art scene. Abstract paintings create a playful background for surreal and technically masterful installations. Everything feels like an abandoned playground, which has sunk into the wilderness. In the middle of the hypnotizing world, a lost paratrooper is trying to figure out his way, young kawaii styled skaters are hanging out and the weirdest married couple is hiding in a dark room. Real paradise of the inner freakishness.
Picture from the opening, taken by my friend Kirsika
© Kirsika Kaunissaar
Just around the corner, at the official gallery of Estonian Academy of Arts (Vabaduse väljak 6/8, entrance from the backyard of Tallinn Art Hall), the perception of the room is completely different. Named as “Place Oddity”, the exhibition takes visitors to side-roads and lets them spin in circles, asking questions about creativity and closed environments. Next to the well-known Estonian artists, works of the convicts from Tallinn prison are exhibited. Desperation meets anticipation, hopes become bigger than fears. Art becomes a medium for describing the captives who most of the time remain unheard. “Place Oddity” is not (only) about the pretty visuals, but greets a viewer with strong social context.
The newest exhibition “M_M_M_M” was opened on Tuesday at OKAPI gallery (Niguliste 2). Metal artists Rait Siska and Risto Tali, photographer Temuri Hvingija and performance artist Erik Alalooga create a unique combo. Authors use their own technique, which involves eroding, bending and breaking a metal sheet. As a final product, a viewer can enjoy large-scale metal photographs. During the exhibition opening, Fjordwalker – a performance artist and an electronic music virtuoso spiced up the atmosphere with dark dreamy notes. Spring sunshine blinking on metallic artwork added the final touch.
Besides art, TMW urban program offers several treats. TMW talks deals with hot cultural topics and sociopolitical problems. Panel discussion presented by Mundo, which took place on Tuesday at Must Puudel, had one of the most intriguing themes. Even Estonian foreign minister Marina Kaljurand was present to talk about women in war. Is one a victim, a soldier or a nurse? Next topics include garbage overflow (March 30, 5pm, TMW pop-up café, Pärnu mnt 6) and politics vs music based on the examples of Iran (March 31, 5pm, TMW pop-up café, Pärnu mnt 6). Several art talks are also in the program.
Last but not least, the coziest cinema in Tallinn – kino Sõprus, has a special TMW repertoire. On Wednesday a documentary about the 2012 Olympics is being screened. The “Africa Express: Train Tour Documentary” (2013) is a vivid documentary about the vintage train, which drove around during the London Olympics and the musicians who hopped on. Pop-up concerts, positive vibes and good tunes. “20.000 Days on Earth” (2014) – a film about Nick Cave, will be screened on April 3 and after that Sõprus turns into one of the concert venues.
Moreover, Design Market and Tallinn Craft Beer Weekend hit off during the weekend.
Enjoy art, love, beautiful springtime and stay tuned!
