On Friday, 1 November, at 19.00, the Estonian Union of Photography Artists (FOKU), in collaboration with Rüki gallery, will open a pop-up gallery in Tallinn’s Old Town, Väike-Karja 10. The first show will feature works by Cloe Jancis, Tanja Muravskaja and Elo Vahtrik. The works of three photography artists at different stages of their careers bring together various facets of identity, personal space and self-care. The exhibition will remain open until 1 December 2024.
Self-portraiture is central to Cloe Jancis’ work. Through it, the artist explores themes of self-perception and self-presentation, drawing on psychoanalysis and representations of women and femininity in visual media. In recent years, Jancis has focused on myths, rituals and objects related to beauty. In recent years, Tanja Muravskaja has turned away from photographic portraits charged with social critique to the use of the specific characteristics of the photographic medium and the installative elements that engage the viewer. FOKU will showcase her works from the exhibition “Garden Exile. The Tuglas Home Garden Through Tanja Muravskaja’s Camera Lens” (Kumu Art Museum, 2019. Curated by Elnara Taidre). In her photographs, the artist has looked at the beauty of Elo and Friedebert Tuglas’ garden and the act of creating connection with nature, set against the backdrop of the harsh realities of the Soviet era. Elo Vahtrik is interested in anomalies and representation, the structures of power and the functioning of society. She uses kitsch and irony as tools to address these themes. More recently, Vahtrik has been looking for points of integration and reference between the techniques of photography and graphic art.
The first showcase will be accompanied by special events:
16.11 at 14.00 Tallinn Photomonth’s Artistic Director Kulla Laas will give a lecture-tour based on the exhibition.
28.11 at 18.00 Presentation of the book “Tanja’s Gardens” by artist Tanja Muravskaja (Lugemik Publishing, 2023).
The FOKU pop-up gallery aims to bring valuable works of contemporary Estonian photographic art out of the archives and into new circulation. We also wish to create the conditions for the sale of artworks and to highlight the value of photographic art. In addition to the main exhibit, visitors will have the opportunity to explore and purchase artworks by members of the Union of Photography Artists at various price levels, buy art books, drink good coffee and meet artists and friends.
The entire sale selection from FOKU artists can be found via our online platform.
Cloe Jancis (b. 1992) is an artist working in the media of photography, video and installation. Jancis graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts with a BA in Photography (2018) and a Master of Contemporary Art (2024). Her recent exhibitions are: “beginners” with Ann Pajuväli at EKA Billboard Gallery (2024); “The Second Act. Found in Translation” with Sigrid Viir in the large gallery of Tartu Art House (2022); “Wishing Well” in Tallinn City Gallery (curated by Siim Preiman, 2022).
Tanja Murasvkaja (b. 1978) is a photographic artist who uses an analytical approach and psychological observation in her work – whether the subject of her approach is the psychology of an individual, a society or a place. Muravskaja studied photography at the Estonian Academy of Arts (2002–2010) and at the University of Westminster (2004–2005), and journalism at Tallinn University. Her work is part of the collections of the Art Museum of Estonia and the Tartu Art Museum. In 2018, Muravskaja was awarded the Köler Prize of the Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM), and in 2019 she was awarded the Order of the White Star, V Class.
Elo Vahtrik (b.1999) is an artist working mainly with photography and installation. She is a graduate of the Estonian Academy of Arts’ Department of Photography (BA, 2022) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Contemporary Art. Since 2022 she is a member of the Estonian Young Contemporary Art Union (ENKKL). Together with Kertu Rannula, she is the founder and coordinator of the contemporary photography publication “starter-KIT”. In 2023 Vahtrik was awarded the Eduard Wiiralt Scholarship.
Estonian Union of Photography Artists (FOKU) is a support platform and representative voice for professional artists working primarily with camera-based art. The aim of FOKU is to introduce and develop contemporary art, to increase interest in visual culture, and to enhance the recognition of Estonian artists both locally and internationally. The most extensive activity of the union is the management of the contemporary art biennial Tallinn Photomonth. In 2010, FOKU also initiated Estonia’s only art fair – the Estonian Photographic Art Fair, which has since evolved into art fair Foto Tallinn, organised in cooperation with the Estonian Contemporary Art Development Center (ECADC).
Visual identity:
Kersti Heile
Supporters:
Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Põhjala Brewery
Partners:
Rüki Gallery, Estonian Academy of Arts Press, Lugemik Publishing, OPA! Publishing, Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Kunst.ee, The Brick Coffee Roastery
Thanks to:
Joosep Kivimäe, Andre Joosep Arming, Kristel Raesaar, Laur Kivistik, Eve Laas, Mikk Heinsoo, Johanna Adojaan, Paul Kuimet, Jan Kulbin, Kadri Laas, Siim Raie
FOKU pop-up gallery
Väike-Karja 10, Tallinn
