Awards serve as social validation, reinforcing the legitimacy and value of individuals or organisations. From gold stars given to children for good behaviour to lifetime achievement honours, these tokens fulfil a fundamental human need: to feel seen, special and acknowledged. However, this recognition often comes with unintended consequences, fostering competition, comparison and a goal-oriented approach to life. Does praise motivate improvement, or does it become a burden, creating expectations and pressure that hinder future efforts?
The exhibition examines the cyclical nature of recognition, while wryly remaining entangled in these very dynamics. Keithy and Katariin themselves were selected for this exhibition and received funding to implement it. In turn, they chose artists to create trophies and invited directors to distribute them. Who gets to choose, and who is chosen? What lies behind recognition, and what are its broader political and psychological implications?
A network of exchanges and collaborations is woven throughout the exhibition. Artists conducted interviews with individuals from various fields, including art, literature and sports, gathering diverse perspectives on the meaning of recognition. Their process expanded to include volunteers who participated in carving chairs and creating the photo series. Finally, they invited 25 artists to contribute trophies, each celebrating a unique concept. These trophies will be awarded during a public, itinerant performative Awards Gala on 1 March, where five theatre directors will select the winners and distribute the prizes.
Katariin Mudist (b. 1994) lives and works in Tallinn. In 2022 she graduated from Estonian Academy of Arts with a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art and in 2018 she graduated from Tartu Art College with a degree in Media and Advertising Design. She continued his education in the Illustration Department of KASK, the University of Ghent and in the Moholy-Nagy, the University of Art in Budapest. She is currently studying at the Estonian Academy of Arts in the Craft Studies programme. She is a member of the Estonian Artists’ Association, the Estonian Association of Young Contemporary Artists, and the Association of Estonian Printmakers.
Keithy Kuuspu (b. 1994) is an artist working in between the fields of performance, dance, visual art, and ceramics. She holds a BA in choreography from Tallinn University’s Baltic Film, Media, and Arts School and an MA in Contemporary Physical Performance Making CPPM from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. She is currently pursuing an MA in ceramics at the Estonian Academy of Arts.
Echibition team:
Exhibition designer and technical help: Alden Jõgisuu
Texts: Laura Cemin
Graphic design: Katariin Mudist
Videographer: Kai Jürimäe
Awards Gala Performance dramaturgy: Keithy Kuuspu and Katariin Mudist
Interviewees: Anu Vahtra, Elo Vahtrik, Elina Masing, Kaarin Kivirähk, Karli Luik, Kreete Verlin, Tõnu Õnnepalu, Urmas Lüüs and Annely Köster.
Award-making artists: Ingrid Allik, Arvi Anderson, Yvette Bathgate and Jake Shepherd, Zody Burke, Alexei Gordin, Ulvi Haagensen, Tõnis Jürgens, Edith Karlson, Lauri Kilusk, KIWA, Stina Leek, Kris Lemsalu, Anna Mari Liivrand, Laura Linsi, Johannes Luik, Angela Maasalu, Maarja Mäemets, Eke Ao Nettan, Kärt Ojavee, Pelle Org, Anumai Raska, Sander Raudsepp, Taavi Teevet, Marta Vaarik and Kristina Õllek.
Awards Gala directors: Sveta Grigorjeva, Henri Hütt, Kertu Moppel, Liisa Saaremäel and Oksana Tralla.
The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Põhjala Brewery, Punch drinks, Pühaste and Leibur.
