Marge Nelk

Artist's country of origin: Estonia

Marge Nelk (born May 6, 1975) is an Estonian artist, illustrator, and book designer based in Tartu. She holds a degree in Theology from the University of Tartu and later studied photography at Tartu Art College.

Nelk is known for her intricate and multi-layered digital compositions that captivate both children and adults. She has illustrated several notable works, including Kätlin Kaldmaa’s “Lugu Keegi Eikellegitütre isast” and Mehis Heinsaar’s “Unistuste tappev kasvamine” and “Võlurite juures”.

Her works have been showcased in both solo and group exhibitions, including venues such as Tartu Kunstimaja and the Kondas Center in Viljandi. In 2022, Nelk held a solo exhibition titled “Trompe-l’oeil ehk silmapete” (Trompe-l’oeil or Optical Illusion) at Tartu Kunstimaja’s Small Gallery, where she presented a magical inventory of objects and ideas gathered from her inner and outer worlds.

She resides in the historic Supilinn district of Tartu. This unique neighborhood has often inspired the dreamlike and surreal motifs found in her works.

Marge Nelk has gained recognition for her imaginative and fantastical illustrations, which bring a unique visual depth to literary works, enriching both children’s and adult literature with her artistic vision.