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NOBA Nordic Baltic contemporary art platform

Exhibited are original drawings, lithography and a painting from the beginning of the 1990s when Mäetamm was still completing his studies. It is exactly this style, and these works, which engrained Mäetamm into people’s memory as a vigorous and humorously selfish young artist, stepping onto the public art scene for the first time. As an artist, Mäetamm portrayed the changing world boldly, documenting its rebranding while being simultaneously its participant and observer.

In addition to the works that have become his trademark, the exhibition also features unique pieces which the artist has kept to himself until now.

The nostalgia present in Mäetamm’s earlier period is the nostalgia of the modern society’s genesis. Its emotions manifest clearly and resoundingly from Haus gallery’s walls —  the Western world that was once longed for in the Soviet reality, elements of Pop Art, logical contrast of primary colours, outstanding use of lithographical technique and style. We see quotidian moments and objects presented with intense reds and yellows. The simple absurdity of people and situations, seemingly unimportant details portrayed on an almost monumental scale — workbench, T-shirt, tape recorder, president, felt-tip pen red-lipped women with a Ferrari and Freddie Mercury during a sunset, Shell, Coca-Cola and the nostalgic flowerbed from grandparents’ garden… 

Marko Mäetamm’s creations are incapable of leaving anyone indifferent, whether it is the moment he arrived at art, showcased currently at Haus Gallery, or his later period. The connections between picture, time, artist and viewer are clear — Mäetamm shows what the moment offers — vivid perspectives on life! His work is like a quick jolt, a hand which appears suddenly on your shoulder, greets you and then hurries on — Marko is energetic, both in his step and conversations, yes, he can hurry on but the moment makes you stop, look over your shoulder and think, what just happened? There is always something to discover with Marko… 

Gallery name: Haus gallery

Address: Uus 17, Tallinn

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 - 18:00, Sat 11:00 - 16:00

Open: 18.06.2020 - 13.08.2020