K.E.S. – The Unfinished Flight of Sütevaka Art Department

PARTICIPANTS: Isabel Aaso-Zahradnikova, Kadri Alesmaa-Visnap, Andrus Joonas,  Margit Joonas, Kaie Kal, Kirke Kangro, Neeme Külm, Eneken Maripuu, Maiu Mooses, Tiiu Rebane, Lembe Ruben, Angela Soop, Lea Tammik, Urmas Uustal, Inga Vares.  

Thirty-two years ago, on 1 October 1993, a group of young people came together in Pärnu, seeking—in the turbulence of the 1990s’ transition years—any possible way to embark on their path as artists. “The newly established Sütevaka Art Department felt like a magically opened door from a novel by Hesse or Kafka. For those of us who stepped through that door, it was an encounter with kindred spirits in an intensely creative space.” (Tiiu Rebane)

The four-year program was intended to train specialists in the artistic design of visual mass communication. The faculty roster was remarkable: Andres Adamson, Margus Tiitsmaa alias Sorge, Jaak Rähesoo, Joosep Tammo, Lilja Blumenfeld, Õie Tilk, Aita Õunap and others.

“The Art Department was a fascinating formation—on one hand it operated almost like a higher education institution offering studies in fine art, while on the other it initially lacked a clear structure, curriculum, or even proper premises. Yet the most important factor was the will and enthusiasm, which both teachers and students radiated in abundance.” (Kalle Keskrand, Explosion in Pärnu, Müürileht, 07.04.2013)

The art school, unexpectedly founded in the chaotic, enthusiastic, criminal and greedy nineties, seemed to these young people in the conservative educational landscape as an extraordinary opportunity to break out of the circle of choices shaped by society and take an important step, to jump into an unknown but self-shaped future.

The short period of learning together in this time of confusing possibilities has united Sütevaka’s first flight in a unique way, and the attunement that grew from the shared experience at that time has created a kind of connection to this day. It has influenced everyone both in their perception of the world and in their understanding of art when working as an artist or art educator.

K.E.S. / Kunstiosakond. Esimene. Sütevakk—the first joint exhibition of this “unfinished flight”—is presented on the 35th anniversary autumn of the Sütevaka School. It celebrates the invaluable initiative of the school’s leadership and teachers at the time, a spark that continues to kindle creativity in those who were part of it and, in turn, influences the next generation.

Fifteen artists reflect on their formative journeys, whose crucial starting points intersected in the Sütevaka Art Department of the Sütevaka Humanities Gymnasium. The exhibition contemplates the possibilities and horizons of generational resonance. What are the shared temperaments and quests—absorption and playfulness, tenderness and perseverance? “…yes, it began here, in that innocent Sütevaka period. From here we gained wings and creativity, and the enduring belief in the healing power of art—I still believe in it!” (Margit Joonas)

Curators/Designers: Inga Vares, Kaili-Angela Konno, Tiiu Rebane

Video Interviews: Tiiu Rebane, Reri Nagel

Graphic Design: Lea Tammik

Media clip: Markus Robam, Mait Visnapuu

Technical Support: Siim Soop

Partners: Pärnu Sütevaka Humanitarian Gymnasium, Pärnu Art School

Thanks to: Pärnu City Gallery

Supporter: Cultural Endowment of Estonia