This satellite exhibition of the 5th Tallinn Applied Art Triennial is directly based on the triennial concept. It is directly related to the learning environment in a number of ways. The exhibition theme raises questions that take a slightly more concealed form within the walls of academia, but are more clearly seen in real-life competition – in the art and business world. The challenge – to cast aside artist-, designer- and producer-centred approaches, share professional know-how and offer someone else the possibility of creating or manufacturing an object – represents a reversal of the usual roles of introverted artist and fiercely competitive designer.
Who is prepared to let their idea be “open-source” for the use of everyone, to make it possible for someone to actually recreate the idea, using the same techniques and technologies? What sort of ideas are people willing to share? What sorts of technology or techniques are people most willing to share? What sorts of artists or designers who are conversant in the details of a manufacture process, and have the capacity and will to put it into circulation and share it? Who will make the time in their busy day today? What is the deeper meaning of such activities?
A reclusive artist or handicraftsman who works in his or her studio day after day, and only rarely and modestly shares the outcome with a rapt audience, perhaps takes less notice of such questions – less than a practicing designer and artist with an inborn competitive streak. However, it seems that these quieter artists include people who are attracted to the idea of participating in exhibitions like these. It is an opportunity to explore and share one’s world while remaining sufficiently sheltered or concealed.
At this exhibition, university students have not just given us product ideas; they have breathed life into objects and put value on the working process. More than a selection of instructions and illustrations on how to make something necessary (as in the case of dress patterns and furniture drawings), this is an exhibit that captures and conveys ideas that are currently in the air along with the related knowledge and skills.
The exhibition in the Academy of Arts gallery received a total of 40 works, of which 23 were selected. The entries took shape during the academic process, and were supported by various amounts of work with advisors. The theme of the exhibition – Know How – was dealt with in a number of ways ranging from an impressive presentation of techne (Pirjo Kongo “See on imelihtne? / It’s So Simple?”) to the practical and satirical dissemination of specialized know-how (Kaisa Laas, “Reused Fox”) to “pure art” (Karin Mölder’s “Mõtteoras /Thought Tendril”). Students offered structural and practical ideas, shared their feelings and brought memories to life, played games, decorated, illuminated, and sowed joie de vivre. Well, no doubt it was simple, but complicated at the same time!
The exhibition features students of the Estonian Academy of Arts design school’s ceramics, glass, fashion, leather and textile specialities. The following individuals served as advisors and mentors to the students: Ingrid Allik, Reet Aus, Eeva Käsper, Krista Leesi, Marve Riisalu, Tiina Sarapu, Annika Teder.
Curators: Eeva Käsper and Tiina Sarapu
