Silver Vahtre’s solo exhibition ”Collages of Tartu”

However, Vahtre’s present imagery is something unique and dream-like. As a sovereign artist who knows his subject matter, he approaches his ideas without restraints, false modesty or hidden political/cultural/religious correctness. This results in compositions of urban environments, the people who inhabit them and full of historic references. These are not merely dreams but contemplative narratives.

Vahtre’s series contain an abundance of recognisable people and stories. They offer constant food for visual enjoyment and even psychiatric analysis. One must even wonder about the limits of the artist’s “unsound mind”. Explanatory texts and references can offer leads, but, in truth, their assistance is doubtful. These images attach new value to the urban space of Tartu and deserve to be published as a separate album. Or at least the “postcards” should be available for sending as reminders of the “old Tartu”.

Although the artworks are digital, the quality and material of the prints are as high as can be expected from somebody with such a long career in design. The physical execution of these computer files (by the master printer Janno Välja from OÜ Salibar) is so complicated and expensive that the unique results can be considered paintings rather than prints.

The introductory text of the exhibition is written by Enriko Talvistu.