Jaanus Eensalu´s solo exhibition "Nearer, My God, to Thee (KLPR 446)"

“I have remained faithful to color, light, and love. Thus, I draw inspiration from colors, light—from God. I cannot bypass colors or God, as they flow from the heart into actions. I can affirm that spiritual-religious developments, like art and/or creativity, are the paths of the spirit and objects into the individual, who in turn creates a new community and environment around them. Creativity and spirituality are born in dialogue with light; with color, reality expands, establishing contact with spirituality, faith, and consciousness in culture. I see in colors a connecting living bridge, along which the journey leads to God, art, and happiness,” Jaanus Eensalu explains his credo.

He continues: “It is in human nature to desire happiness and to dedicate oneself to beloved activities. Work that we respect, love, and excel in, through which we can create both spiritual and physical value, gives us the opportunity to participate in the process—as an artist and a creator. Happiness and art are the ‘seeing’ of light, requiring a momentary pause, spiritual and physical independence, and an experiential positivity—that is, prayer. Balance is the time of happiness, a time of learning! Take the first step—pause and look at art! Take the second step—do this every day! Take the third step—own your happy art. Happy art is a part of the person, and it is a vital skill!”

Jaanus Eensalu (b 1964) is a painter, graphic designer, and lecturer whose educational journey has taken him through the University of Tartu, the Institute of Theology of the EELC, and the Pallas University of Applied Sciences. At Pallas, Eensalu serves as both the head of the Media Design Department and an associate professor.