The joint exhibition 'Conversation' by Mare Mikoff and Berit Talpsepp-Jaanisoo

On Saturday, 18 July at 5 p.m., the joint exhibition Conversation by Mare Mikoff and Berit Talpsepp-Jaanisoo will open at the Evald Okas Museum in Haapsalu. The curator of the exhibition is Peeter Talvistu.

The exhibition is a dialogue between two sculptors from different generations, where the central motif is the conversation between works depicting women. The oeuvre of both authors is mainly figurative, frequently depicting the artists themselves or their loved ones (family members or fellow artists). In addition to mere depiction, these works often also deal with being an artist and a woman. Therefore, the main gallery of the museum seeks to find a common ground between the two authors.

At the same time, there is also a place for men in this world but, unlike the usual state of affairs, they are placed in the role of eye-catching extras in this exhibition. In Berit's view, classic art-historical references are enough involvement for men (a role that female models ordinarily inhabit), and Mare has simply trapped them in bags, exposing only their beautiful but speechless heads. Maybe this is for the best.

The curator adds: "During the preparation process of the exhibition, it has been very enjoyable to observe the dialogue between the artists. Although at first glance there may not be much in common or similar in their works, apart from a focus on figures, upon closer inspection clear connections emerge, including references to earlier art history and a certain idiosyncratic humour. Mare's works even raise the exciting question of what else Berit may have in store in the future."

Mare Mikoff (b 1941 in Tallinn) graduated as a sculptor from the Estonian State Art Institute, but also studied history at the University of Tartu for a short period. She has taught at the Estonian Academy of Arts for a long time, and has also been the city artist of Tallinn. Mikoff's sculptures and monuments have been erected in various cities, including Dusk in Tallinn, Paul Keres in Pärnu, and Women from the Countryside in Tartu. Among other awards, Mikoff has twice received the Kristjan Raud Prize and has been awarded the Order of the White Star, 4th class.

Berit Talpsepp-Jaanisoo (b 1984 in Tartu) has studied sculpture at the Tartu Art College and the Estonian Academy of Arts and received a master's degree from the Glasgow School of Art. In her practice, she connects sculpture and photography in various ways. She divides her life between Estonia and Finland, and her latest solo exhibitions were held at the Sculptor Gallery in Helsinki and the Mältinranta Gallery in Tampere. For over ten years, she has taught sculpture at various educational institutions, including the Pallas Art College in Tartu. Among other institutions, her work has been acquired by the Kiasma Art Museum.

Conversation is being supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia and the Arts Promotion Centre Finland (Taike). The exhibition is open until 25 October. Various public events will take place throughout the exhibition period.

Additional information:

Peeter Talvistu
+372 5650 7782
talvistu@gmail.com

Mara Ljutjuk
+372 5698 5234
info@okasemuuseum.ee

Okas Museum
Karja 24, Haapsalu
www.okasemuuseum.ee

18.07.–16.08. Sun–Thu 12–18, Fri–Sat 12–19
18.08.–31.08. Tue–Sun 12–18
01.09.–25.10. Fri–Sun 12–18