CHAIN REACTION
Andre Joosep Arming
On 27 August at 6:30 PM, the artist Andre Joosep Arming’s debut solo exhibition Chain Reaction will open at the Hobusepea Gallery. The opening features a festive, Renaissance-themed masquerade ball directed by Linda Mai Kari. The exhibition will remain open until 27 September.
Chain Reaction is Andre Joosep Arming’s debut solo exhibition, an exploration of human fragility, solitude, adaptation and perseverance. It speaks to the ending of life and new beginnings, examining the invisible threads that bind us to one another and to the world, even in moments of profound isolation. Celebrating the joy of existence and life’s peak moments, the exhibition serves as a poignant reminder to inhabit the present fully, without taking for granted the privilege of being alive.
Hosted at the Hobusepea Gallery, the exhibition showcases works from 2018–2025, alongside a new series created specifically for the show: Don Quixote I, Detachment Does Not Exist and Epistemic Heart. A core element of Arming’s practice is the poetic autobiographical portrait, through which he presents an uplifting, life-affirming philosophy despite a complex medical background. Drawing energy from pop culture, the artist champions maximalism as a viable lifestyle.
Andre Joosep Arming (b. 1995) holds a BA in Photography (2018) and an MA in Contemporary Art (2024) from the Estonian Academy of Arts. His practice primarily utilises Polaroid photography and video. Recurring themes in his work include autobiography, the cyclical nature of birth and death, and the concept of timelines. Arming is a member of the Estonian Union of Photography Artists (FOKU) and the Estonian Artists’ Association, and has participated in numerous group exhibitions across Europe (including Germany and Lithuania). He is also a member of the NGO Siirdatud süda (Transplanted Heart).
Exhibition team: Kleer Keret Tali (curator), Helle Ly Tomberg (producer), Karl-Christoph Rebane (fashion designer), Sirel Soans (make-up artist), Mio Kurm (merchandise), Johanna Ruukholm (graphic designer), Linda Mai Kari (director), Hans-Otto Ojaste ja Johannes Säre (installation), Reimo Võsa-Tangsoo (video specialist), Hugo Leinola (video documentation), Artproof (artwork production).
Thank you: Andrus Arming, Milvi Veervald, Jaanus Veervald, Silvia Sosaar, Aksel Haagensen, Katrin Enni, Joosep Kivimäe, Taavi Rekkaro, Triin Rebane, Martin Buschmann, Irmeli Terras, Sarah Johnston, Frances Cholerton, Tamara Luuk, Regina Tagger, Oliver Kalliste, Eve Kaaret, Maris Karjatse, Andres Toodo, Villem Säre, Elo Strauss, Kaisa Maasik, Alyona Movko-Mägi, Madli Ljutjuk, KitKit Para, Hertta Kiiski, Airi Sosaar, Mari Steinberg, Krista Mölder, Liina Siib, Hanno Soans, Sten Paluoja, Danel Toom, Hanna-Liisa Lavonen, Mirjam Varik, Stella Mõttus, Kristiina Aarna, Roman-Sten Tõnissoo, Reet Sõmer, Pamela Samel, Jaanus Murumõis, Jaanika Moorats, Liisi Kõuhkna, Liis Tedre, Hans Alla, Mari Volens
Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Artists’ Association and Hobusepea Gallery
