I capture the expressions of nature symbolically and figuratively, searching for tradition in the changing seasons, creating a bridge to connect my various cultural and aesthetic captivations. Although it has been difficult for me to create a meaningful and deep connection with my own, Estonian national culture, I have admired artists and creators who are inspired by their own history and tradition. I wish to follow the same path, but nevertheless I have long been looking for something that would spring from my own soil. I am aesthetically attracted to different Easts – the Near East, the Far East, the South East, et cetera…
I recently realized how to harvest from my source. I am incredibly sensitive to the weather and the surroundings – the changing weather and seasons are like tradition itself. Nature is tradition! Every forest, every weather phenomenon, Cailleach has its own face. I draw and paint these expressions. How deeply these elements of nature are rooted in our consciousness and subconscious, in dreams… The synergy between the peace of Estonian nature and the changing weather. The change of seasons gives us a multitude of emotional and sensuous colors and thus I look at the surrounding air and the course of the forces of nature through a mystical gaze.
Kaia Otstak (b. 1987) is a painter, illustrator, performance artist, and a Master of Philosophy. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in Philosophy from Tallinn University. Otstak has had solo exhibitions (2022 in Rapla, 2017 in Pärnu and Valga, 2015 in Tartu, 2014 in Võru) and has participated in group exhibitions, performed at international events (2015 in Helsinki, Vilnius), her articles and illustrations have been published in different special magazines, newspapers, and books. Otstak is interested in expressing philosophical questions and mysticism. She portrays nature and the seasons symbolically and figuratively. She currently lives and works in Estonia.
The exhibition will remain open until March 1.
