Aksel Haagensen “The joy derived from observing birds (that may be gradually disappearing from the world around us)”

While researching the refugee history of his family, their väliseestlus (overseas-Estonian-ness) and his Estonian-Australian childhood, Haagensen has reignited an interest in birds and ecology in general. In his recent projects he combines the childlike joy that birds awaken in him with a more pragmatic, theoretical interest in the history of wildlife conservation in the context of the current extinction crisis.

In addition to present day artworks produced by Haagensen, the exhibition also includes 25-year-old drawings from his childhood, a tablecloth embroidered by artist Ulvi Haagensen and ornithological drawings by Elizabeth Gould from the 1840s-50s.

The curator of the exhibition is Saskia Lillepuu.

Thanks: Ardo Hiiuväin, Päär-Joonap Keedus, Triin Kerge, Kadri Villand, ArtSmart, Lipuvabrik, Valge Kuup Stuudio