Marko Mäetamm’s solo exhibition “TANTRA MANTRA KAMASANTRA” showcases his two latest characteristically critical and vitally humorous painting series. “I don’t do the exhibitions about yesterday – I am inspired by today,” Mäetamm points out the show’s crucial impulse.
Current social pressures provoke Mäetamm’s recent artworks. It’s self-evident that we have to take sides and establish our positions every step of the way. The boundaries of attitudes and confrontations are explored through practical topics: right and wrong, thinking and meditating, crawling and levitation, people and animals, scientists and wizards, doctors and self-help, yoga and drinking, war and peace. The artist himself does not want to pick sides or make judgments here, but offers a nuanced balance.
The exhibition also features paintings from two series titled “TANTRA MANTRA KAMASANTRA” and “OUR LITTLE MAŠKA IS TAKING AYAHUASCA”. In the series, the artist introduces his alter ego rabbit Maška, who does not shy away from experimenting with even the most alternative methods for the sake of his self-development.
Marko Mäetamm’s works tell personal stories in a multi-layered, existentially absurd way. His works are recognizable by the use of text and caricature, which he expresses through various media – printmaking, painting, animation, photography, sculpture. In recent years, Mäetamm has had solo exhibitions in Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia and France. Mäetamm also represented Estonia at the Venice Biennale in 2003 and 2007.
The artist thanks: Vaal Gallery, his family and his dog named Kosmos who influenced some works by their conversations during the long walks.
“TANTRA MANTRA KAMASANTRA”
Marko Mäetamm
04/03/2022 — 16/04/2022
Vaal Gallery
Tuesday–Friday 12pm–6pm, Saturday 12pm–4pm
Telliskivi 60A/5, Tallinn
Photography: Stanislav Stepashko
