Tallinn, Estonia – The immersive exhibition “Black” by Kärt Hammer explores the hidden energy of chaos through the lens of the Slavic folklore figure, Baba-Jaga. The exhibition creates a spatial experience rooted in interpretations of fairy tales connected to the mythical being, Baba-Jaga, carefully intertwining metaphorical associations into a minimalist yet precise context.
While Kärt Hammer’s previous works have been notable for their expressive nature, this time the focus turns inward. The artist is present at the exhibition, where her name has become a noun, a black lock on the door that appears empty and frozen—a silent space of surrendering to the cessation of life. In this space, Baba-Jaga symbolizes a non-human totality and chaotic energy charged with infinite potential—the essence of existence itself. According to mythologist Marion Woodman, Baba-Jaga represents a destructive force in Slavic folktales, which, in turn, creates the potential for new beginnings. As a death goddess, she assists the protagonist in destroying what must be relinquished to make way for the new. It is a chaos containing opposites and endless possibilities.
Kärt Hammer also involves friends from various creative fields in this exhibition project:
Sound: Erki Pärnoja
Clothing Design: Äli Kargoja
Architecture: Mare Hammer
Silver: Patrick Soome
Puppets: Helina Kõrm
Photography: Rea Lest-Liik
Graphic Design: Taavet Kohal
Text: Eero Epner
The exposition will remain open at ARS Project Space until August 12th.
The exhibition is supported by the Estonian Cultural Endowment, the Estonian Artists’ Association, AS Balen and Fritzkola.
Photography by Virge Viertek
