Analysis of human relations and care: an exhibition of Baltic artists opens in the art space “Medūza”. Culture

The works presented in the exhibition examine the relationships between people, issues of care, social roles and responsibilities, question the symbiosis of language and ethnicity, and invite a closer look at the duality of vulnerability and violence.

The authors of the works exhibited in the “Hold Me Tender” exhibition are: Bas Jan Ader, Agnė Jokšė, Morta Jonynaitė, Sandra Kosorotova, Keiu Maasik, Maija Mustonen, Marko Mäetamm, Sarah Nõmm, Hanna Piksarv, Mark Raidpere and Elīna Vītola.

Photo of the organizers/”Hold me tender”

According to the curator of the exhibition Siims Preimans, in the three decades since independence, the Baltic countries have taken a big step towards a more equal and free society. “However, our political agenda is still full of complex and divisive issues. Migration, security problems, more complicated livelihoods, destruction of nature and changing traditions are causing fear and resentment.

Those residents who do not show a desire to integrate begin to distance themselves from the homogenous center, so segregation is increasing at a record pace in the capitals of the Baltic states compared to the European average, – says exhibition curator Siimas Preimanas, – Why do we need a pandemic or a war to recognize that our neighbor is also human? How can we discover each other faster? How can we make this concern a part of our daily lives?”

S. Preiman adds that it is possible to burn out while dreaming of such a caring utopia – this happened to him as well. However, little by little, the curator managed to re-identify artworks and artists who, based on their personal experience, shed light on important, even taboo, issues. The exhibition does not provide specific answers to the questions raised, but these works of art in the space of shared values ​​show that the knowledge necessary to understand each other and move forward is within reach.

Photo of the organizers/Siimas Preimanas

“For some time now, I have been consistently organizing exhibitions that talk regarding the pain points of modern society. I believe that through art it is possible to untangle the tangle of eternal global crises at least a little, so that a ray of hope penetrates into everyday life for a while”, he comments.

Audrius Pocius, the manager and curator of “Medūza” supports these thoughts, noting that this exhibition presents works by artists from the Baltic countries that have not been seen in Lithuania until now, and their expression is somewhat different from the creative landscape usually seen in Vilnius.

“In the dynamic and multi-media exposition of the exhibition, these works are connected by the curator’s sensitive gaze, with which he seeks to reveal the most sensitive problems in our region in recent years,” says A. Pocius, “Here we are talking regarding the tensions arising from social identity and exclusion, regarding the contradictions between a better the pursuit of life and the price it pays at the expense of our environmental well-being, regarding the irreconcilable gap between global ecological and political processes and subjective, situated human experience.”

During the opening weekend of the exhibition, visitors will be invited not only to view the exhibition, but also to participate in the performance program. Artist Maijaa Mustonen’s performance “Practice” will offer you the opportunity to experience caring touch, and artists Agnė Jokšė and Valge Tůk will also perform. Weekend program of events:

Friday, July 19

6 p.m. exhibition opening

at 7 p.m. – Maija Mustonen’s performance

8:15 p.m. White Girl in performance

Saturday, July 20

at 2 p.m. – curator’s tour of the exhibition with the artists

16:00 – Agnes Jokše’s performance

at 5 p.m. – Maija Mustonen’s performance

The exhibition “Hold Me Tender” is part of an ongoing series of exhibitions at the Tallinn Art Center that focuses on both the possibility of empathy and ecological responsibility in the face of destruction. The exhibition “Hold Me Tender” in the art space “Medūza” will be open until 2024. August 31 inclusive.