Winter 2024

Art history teaches us that difficult times rarely favour complex art. On the contrary, during challenging times, many artists turn to simplicity, finding solace in still lifes, seascapes or portraits that serve as refuges from a world that fails to meet our expectations. But when has humanity ever really known what lies ahead?

In the main section of this issue, contributors Kulla Laas, Erkki Luuk, Hanna Strauss, Hedi Rosma, Francisco Martínez, Kaire Nurk, Johannes Saar, Kaisa Eiche, Eero Epner and Andreas Trossek share their thoughts. The issue concludes with two thematic supplements that connect to one another.

The first commemorates the 125th anniversary of art historian Voldemar Vaga’s birth. Andrus Laansalu and Hanno Soans converse with Aleksander Metsamärt in a discussion that brings art historians into dialogue about their field while also touching on a new Estonian endurance performance record. Meanwhile, Johannes Saar presents a collection of exhibition reviews penned as assignments by young students offering fresh perspectives. This initial foray into print will, we hope, provide stimulus for the entire field – because the future of professional art and criticism in Estonia must be secure, regardless of wars and crises (or perhaps precisely because of them).

What else could we add as an introduction? Oh, one more thing: if you enjoy reading the Estonian art quarterly Kunst.ee, let us know! Get a subscription at ajakirjad.ellimine.ee, and the latest issue will be delivered directly to your mailbox. Plus, as a print subscriber, you can access the e-version for free on ajakirjad.kultuurileht.ee.

Stay tuned!