Catalogue “Man in Half a Century”

The publication titled “Inimene poolsajandis: Eesti kunsti ülevaatenäitus 1958-2009” (“Man in Half a Century: An Overview of Estonian Art 1958-2009”) documents the exhibition held at the Tartu Art Museum from May 2011 to September 2012. This exhibition examined Estonian human-centered art from approximately 1960 to 2010, primarily focusing on painting, while also featuring graphics, three-dimensional art, photography, and video. The exhibition showcased nearly 90 artists and 140 works.

Key themes include:

1960s Liberalization: The liberalization of the 1960s allowed for formal innovations and an optimistic belief in progress, particularly evident in themes related to space exploration.

1970s Escapism: As signs of stagnation appeared in the 1970s, art became more introverted, focusing on the relationship between humans and nature, often depicting restful or dreaming figures. This decade is considered a peak for Estonian painting, with its influence extending into the next decade.

Emergence of Photorealism: In the 1970s, photorealism emerged, contrasting with the previous expressive painting styles and focusing on Soviet urban society and the urbanized individual.

Mythological Interests in the 1980s: The late 1980s saw a renewed interest in mythologies, whether national themes, reinterpreted antiquity, or individual mythologies.

1990s and Artistic Stagnation: The transition to independence led to a degree of stagnation in painting, with diverse techniques including the use of unconventional materials and the introduction of photography and video as new media, often employing irony and theatricality.

Contemporary Issues: The latest decade features monumental figurative paintings that serve as a commentary on contemporary society, addressing current political, power, national, and social issues, reflecting on capitalism’s moral dilemmas.

Publisher: Tartu Kunstimuuseum

Language: Estonian, English

Year of Publication: 2011

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 63

ISBN: 9789985976562

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