Mari Männa solo exhibition “Remnants”

Männa’s installation invites viewers to discover ruins: remnants of ancient columns and reliefs. The gallery has become almost like an archaeological site where visitors can explore the installation from different perspectives. As viewers move through the gallery space, they activate the work with their presence.

Embracing the symbols of eternity inherited from ancient art, the artist attempts to engage them in her work in the context of the current turbulent times. She is interested in the function of visual motifs in our cultural memory and creating new potential associations by shifting their meaning. The work is inspired by Männa’s residency in Lisbon where the artist worked during spring quarantine.

Mari Männa (b 1991) is a young artist who works with sculpture and installation. In 2020, she completed her master’s studies in contemporary art at the Estonian Academy of Arts. During that time, she also studied at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam and the Aalto University in Helsinki. Männa’s artistic practices are characterised by redefining the authoritarian sculpture; her techniques and approach to sculpture often raise eyebrows.

The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia. Special thanks to Iaroslav Iakubivskyi, Saara-Nette Tõugjas, Siim Meerits and Tartu Art House.

The exhibition is open until 29 August.