“Observing the desert’s emptiness as the metaphors of transience and eternal journey, one can see the artwork as a continuous and constant effort to overcome difficulties,” says Vellesalu-Murd. “By consistently silencing negative energy a mental state eventually emerges where the accumulated emotions and long simmering leave no room for seeking rational solutions and sensual liberation. Thus colliding aimlessly with each other within the unnatural repressiveness of the aquarium, the bushes whose natural course should be to disappear into the distance once freed from their roots.”
Rush Hour is a room installation where the visitor primarily becomes an observer. Finding a place amidst the moving bushes is a challenge, but the physical constraint leaves room for thoughts and cognitive experience. According to Vellesalu-Murd, controlling thoughts is demanding, as it requires concentration. “The need for intense focus makes this activity exhausting. While controlling thoughts, you realize how many irrelevant thoughts accompany the necessary information. The unnecessary surfaces automatically and does not submit to ordinary control,” she adds.
Ave Vellesalu-Murd is a multidisciplinary artist from Rapla, currently living and working in Tallinn. In her works, the artist often creates moving spatial installations, interweaving video and sound with them. Natural elements are of primary importance in her materials, forming artificial spatial experiences.
Vellesalu-Murd studied contemporary art at the Estonian Academy of Arts and received further training at the Helsinki Academy of Fine Arts. She is also a co-founder and member of the local art-pop duo Vera Vice.
The exhibition will be open until 7 October 2023.
Graphic design: Henri Kutsar
The bushes were set in motion by Kalle Tikas.
We wish to thank: Ivar Murd, Allan Vellesalu
The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Võru linn and Säsi Brewery
Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 12am – 7pm / Sat 12am – 3pm
The gallery is located in the basement of Liiva-ATE creative house at Liiva 11a, Võru
Additional information: mariskerin@gmail.com/ +372 53449447
