Anna Mari Liivrand's solo exhibition opens in Tartu
The Kogo gallery in Tartu has opened a solo exhibition by Köler Prize laureate Anna Mari Liivrand, who combines glass, metal and found objects in her work. The show runs until October 24.
The contemporary art gallery Kogo in Tartu has opened a solo exhibition by artist Anna Mari Liivrand titled "The Charm of Winding Paths." Liivrand is the recipient of the Köler Prize, one of Estonia's most significant contemporary art awards.
The gallery space features unusual sculptures made of glass and metal, in which the artist combines fragments of the past with nature and architecture. Liivrand says her approach to working with glass and metal grew out of observing the urban environment — particularly abandoned industrial architecture and blacksmithing elements characteristic of Tallinn.
An idea of transformation
Exhibition curator Elina Drake explains that the core of Liivrand's visual language is the idea of transformation. This is reflected in twisting, spiral-like structures that appear to be in a constant process of change. Many of her works incorporate found objects and vintage glass, which she combines in surprising ways to create entirely new forms.
Coins, keys, notes and earrings — objects bearing traces of their former owners — are embedded within the glass panels. Regarding the metal frames, Liivrand notes she drew on both sacred architecture and contemporary industrial structures.
Many of the works feature engravings of poisonous plants, which are often the first to appear in abandoned places as nature gradually reclaims them. The artist adds that since we live in a time when nature is steadily disappearing, its resurgence is not always pleasant or gentle — sometimes it arrives somewhat menacingly, much like these poisonous plants.
The exhibition at the Kogo gallery in Tartu will remain open until October 24.
