24.10.2020—25.04.2021
From 24 October, Tartu Art Museum will host the extensive and definitely colourful retrospective exhibition “Nostalgialess”. The two floors of the exhibition introduce the works of one of the best Estonian colourists from the 1960s to the present day. Pääsuke’s oeuvre conveys classic painting traditions through a contemporary prism, transcending times and trends.
The exhibition is made even more exceptional by the fact that for the artist this marks a return to the location where in 1957 his professional journey began as a student of the Tartu Art School, since back then the classicist mansion from the end of the 18th century was the boys’ dormitory of the music school and the art school. This period of his life has a special place in the exhibition: visitors can experience the historic atmosphere and, as a rare gesture, works from the time of his studies are shown.
The title “Nostalgialess” reflects the artist’s self-irony, since it is hard to imagine anything more nostalgic than a retrospective exhibition in the building where one spent one’s youth. This jarring discrepancy clearly shows Pääsuke’s own desire to avoid being dramatic or praising himself. Let the paintings speak for themselves and let the location and time of the exhibition reveal the emotions that they contain.
The exhibition is accompanied by a substantial publication in Estonian and in English that contains an assortment of texts, numerous photos and a wide selection of reproductions of Pääsuke’s works. An analytical article written by the art historian Tamara Luuk and the painter Tõnis Saadoja contemplates Pääsuke as a teacher and a role model from the point of view of a creator. The catalogue also contains an exhaustive interview, an autobiography of the artist, Joanna Hoffmann’s curatorial text and biographic appendices. The book was designed by Valter Jakovski, translated by Peeter Talvistu and edited by Anti Saar and Richard Adang.
Curator: Joanna Hoffmann
Exhibition design: Mari Kurismaa
Graphic design: Valter Jakovski
Co-ordinator: Kristlyn Liier
Exhibition team: Indrek Aavik, Richard Adang, Nele Ambos, Tanel Asmer, Indrek Grigor, Mare Joonsalu, Margus Joonsalu, Heiti Kulmar, Jaanika Kuznetsova, Annegret Kriisa, Katrin Lõoke, Julia Polujanenkova, Anti Saar, Kristel Sibul, Peeter Talvistu, Kristo Tamm, Ago Teedema
Lenders of the works: Art Museum of Estonia, Tartu Art Museum, Estonian Academy of Arts Museum, Enn Kunila’s Art Collection, AkzoNobel Art Collection, Tiit Pääsuke’s collection, Peep Aaviksoo, Marju Tammik, Tõnis Arro, Kärt Kukkur, Rene Kuulmann, Vello Liiv, Marje Lohuaru, Siiri Luts, Tamara Luuk, Janek Mäggi, Maarja Nummert, Indrek Orro, Raino Paron, Eve Pedajas, Tiit Pruuli, Kalev Raidjõe, Anu Raud, Epp Rebane, Indrek Rohtmets, Maria Mägi-Rohtmets, Ain Tähiste
Thanks to: Anu Allas, Lilja Blumenfeld, Darja Jefimova, Kadri Joa, Loit Jõekalda, Mart Kekišev, Signe Kivi, Kadi Kreis, Maris Kunila, Reeli Kõiv, Mart Lepp, Virge Loo, Ra Luhse, Tiina Määrmann, Kristjan Nagla, Toomas Pääsuke, Elnara Taidre, Eda Tuulberg, Kertu Väre
Supporter: Cultural Endowment of Estonia
Tiit Pääsuke’s retrospective exhibition “Nostalgialess” will remain open until 25 April 2021. Due to the corona crisis, there will not be an opening ceremony but we will do our best to present the exhibition through guided tours, and meetings with the artist and the curator will take place.
“Nostalgialess” exhibition booklet
Exhibition views
Photographer Hedi Jaansoo
