American political scientist Francis Fukuyama has described this time period as “the end of history”, the disappearance of great historical narratives based on the tension and ideological opposition between East and West. Yet recent events have created new grand narratives, such as the fight against terrorism, the climate crisis and most recently, the sometimes long bouts of social isolation, to name a few.
Indeed, one can argue that history has not ended, instead becoming fragmented and a commodity on itself, as suggested by the cultural theorist Fredric Jameson. The desire for capitalism has been given a physicality, which addresses its own temporality and the space surrounding it. Following this framework, the works on display are mapping out past collective experiences, with fragments as starting points for historical narratives to emerge.
The panels on display are intended as markers of the period when western and eastern narratives and imagery meet. They draw a parallel between fictional stories and historical events from the past, presenting these realities as still frames in the midst of a transformative change. The comic strips are applied onto the panels as a collage, mimicking layers of wallpaper added and removed, portraying ideological fragments to be built or demolished.
The art practice of Sven Parker can be described through installation, staging and the use of different collage techniques. His current topics of interest include the relations between butaphory and its surroundings as they appear through relational aesthetics. In 2011 he received his bachelor’s degree in painting from the Estonian Academy of Arts and has pursued further studies in the department of sculpture and installation.
The artist’s gratitude goes to: Merilin Paart, Mait Luhasoo, Aivar Paart, Roman-Sten Tõnissoo, Mihai Nica
The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia.The exhibitions in Draakon Gallery are supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Ministry of Culture and Liviko Ltd.
