The exhibition ‘Encrypt‘ by Elza Lapiņa, Uģis Albiņš, Eugenio Marini, and Ingrid Helena Pajo at SODAS 2123 project space was open until March 4.
There is something unique about not understanding each other’s languages. In such cases, the importance of visual interpretation and comparison takes precedence, while text becomes secondary. What is shared exists beyond words—non-verbal and detached from letters. Perhaps thought processes sometimes follow a similar pattern, where information does not move directly through text but through an older, more intuitive way of communication.
Hunters of Komi tell their hunting stories in a way that leaves the listener unsure whether the tale is true or false. In fact, it is preferable for listeners to become lost in misunderstanding—because that is far more entertaining. This creates a magical contradiction between secrecy and truth-telling. Hunters are not allowed to tell the truth outright, nor can they remain silent, as both would bring bad luck, displeasing the forest spirits. The only acceptable option is to speak in a roundabout way. According to the hunters, misunderstanding is a form of understanding. The way knowledge is expressed should invite broader, less direct ways of comprehension, where meaning is not simply laid out as a flat truth. (Art Leete. Kokkupuuted soomeugrilastega. – Sirp 20. XII 2024)
A similarly encrypted form of communication exists among the Baltic states, shaped by shared experiences and a common geographical position, despite belonging to different language families.
Data encryption operates in much the same way, relying on two distinct keys—public and private—to encode and decode information. A parallel form of visual encryption can be observed among Baltic artists, who use shared visual codes to unlock publicly accessible artistic expressions. The four artists will encrypt and decrypt the given information through different mediums.
Elza Lapiņa and Uģis Albiņš are artists based in Riga. With a background in restoration, Elza investigates the ambivalent relations of fragments and the whole, the copy and the original. Uģis practice looks into the multilayered material culture, the shape and use of the objects surrounding us through a play with the contrast of raw materials and various techniques and mediums, like 3D-printing.
Eugenio Marini and Ingrid Helena Pajo are artists based between Tallinn and Rome, who in their practices explore the possibilities of the found materials. Being guided by what the environment offers, their installations become something between a visual diary and an archeological museum.
Artists wish to thank Agnė Bagdžiūnaitė, Sophie Durand, Adomas Žudys, SODAS 2123
Exhibition is supported by Lynxmonadas
Photography by Ingrid Helena Pajo
Photography: Ingrid Helena Pajo
