The exhibition ‘Dark Ground’ by Tiina Sarapu, curated by Maarja Mäemets, runs at HOP Gallery (Hobusepea 2, Tallinn) until 29 October.
Through furrows, layers, ditches, and veins, ‘Dark Ground’ runs across the horizon like an empty field. It is a transitional space, holding within it all possibilities—a realm that extends deeper than three-dimensionality. The exhibition ‘Dark Ground’ is the materialization of a year-long conversation between artist Tiina Sarapu and curator Maarja Mäemets. Their shared discussions, sparked by an interest in the possibilities and significance of physical space in artistic practices, led to a search for deeper roots. The Earth is the foundation, the unnoticed bearer whose limits are constantly tested by human hands. It is the fertile ground for rooting possibilities and hope. With Sarapu’s characteristic precision and boldness, she peers with an X-ray gaze through this multi-layered complexity, trusting her creations to carry her into unknown places.
Tiina Sarapu (b. 1971) is an Estonian conceptual glass artist known for her minimalist form language and refined execution. In recent years, she has primarily focused on installations, creating pieces that explore the possibilities of space and expand the viewer’s perception. Sarapu obtained her master’s degree in glass art from the Estonian Academy of Arts in 1996 and has worked for many years as a lecturer and associate professor. Her works have received international recognition and are included in the collections of several museums and private collectors. Sarapu has been awarded the Kristjan Raud Prize (2007, 2023) and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia Annual Prize (2019). From 2021 to 2023, she was a recipient of the Artist Laureate Salary.
Maarja Mäemets (b. 1991) is an Estonian artist and curator whose work reflects themes of strength and hope. She graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts with a degree in glass art (BA 2015, MA 2018) and is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in the Craft Studies program. Mäemets focuses primarily on site-specific installations, where material choices are made intuitively and carry dense narratives and symbols. She has received several significant awards and has been participating in international exhibitions since 2015. Mäemets made her curatorial debut in 2020 as the main organizer of the Estonian Glass Artists Association’s annual exhibition, “Colour – Red.”
The exhibition ‘Dark Ground’ is part of the Tallinn Applied Art Triennial satellite program. Graphic design: Meelis Mikker
Special thanks to: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, MUSHEEZ, MIRON Violetglass, Klaasissepa OÜ, ECCOM OÜ
Photography: Tanja Muravskaja, Evert Palmets, Mardo Männimägi
Photo: Tanja Muravskaja
Photo: Tanja Muravskaja
Photo: Tanja Muravskaja
Photo: Mardo Männimägi
Photo: Tanja Muravskaja
Photo: Evert Palmets
Photo: Evert Palmets
Photo: Evert Palmets
