NEONAIVISM by Estonian Painters’ Association

Modern art with a short history in Estonia is sometimes charmingly naive. Karl Pärsimägi, Valve Janov, Kaja Kärner, Lembit Sarapuu, Paul Kondas, Einar Vene, Kalju Simson and others. Neo-Naivism seeks to amplify the mind and heart, technology and shamanism, crafts and digital. If Valdur Mikita has said about modern Estonians: “We are shamans with smartphones”, then in art it would sound something like “we are witchcraft artists without 3D glasses”. The modern neo-naive conveys cosmic information and energy to us with his pictures. He is fearless, honest and positive. His ultimate goal is to be happy and to convey that feeling of happiness to other people through art. Neo-naïve works heal and ship with the surrounding creative force. Neo-Naïve painters respect the traditions of painting from the first cave paintings. They respect craftsmanship because the hand connects the brain, heart and space. Neo-Naive is conservative, old-fashioned and universally provincial. At the same time, he is exactly what the world needs today. His provincialism makes him the Artist of the Universe./ Vilen Künnapu  

Curated by Vilen Künnapu (EPA)  

Design by Tiiu Rebane & Karl-Kristjan Nagel (EPA)  

Artists: Ove Büttner, Evi Gailit, Alexei Gordin, Martin “QBA” Kaares, Danel Kahar, Kairo, Anna Kõuhkna, August Künnapu, Vilen Künnapu, Tarrvi Laamann, Leonhard Lapin, Johanna Mudist, Anu Muiste, Marko Mäetamm, Karl-Kristjan Nagel, Kaido Ole, Juss Piho, Tiiu Rebane, Ingmar Roomets, Rait Rosin, Lembit Sarapuu, Kaljo Simson, Grisli Soppe-Kahar, Steve Vanoni