Playful hats pop up on Tartu statues for British artist's new show
Colorful hats and masks have appeared on notable statues in Tartu, heralding the opening of British artist Monster Chetwynd's first exhibition in the Baltic region at the Estonian National Museum.
Statues in Tartu have been adorned with colorful hats and masks to promote the upcoming exhibition by British artist Monster Chetwynd. The show, titled "A Feather in Your Hat!," will run from July 24 to January 24, 2027, at the Estonian National Museum (ERM) in Tartu. It marks Chetwynd's first exhibition in the Baltic region, following a successful run at Copenhagen Contemporary.
Monster Chetwynd is known for a distinctive DIY aesthetic that transforms everyday materials into fantastical objects. The exhibition is a total installation blending humor, fantasy, and grotesque elements, creating an immersive environment where visitors can play and become part of the artwork. At its center is the Red Hat Shop, a new piece created for Copenhagen where visitors can transform themselves with hats and masks. The space also features shelves filled with strange faces and creatures, leading to a "green monster stage" where anyone can step into a new identity.
Born in London and now based in Zurich, Chetwynd adopted the name Monster Chetwynd in 2018, having previously worked as Spartacus Chetwynd and Marvin Gaye Chetwynd. A Turner Prize nominee in 2012, the artist has exhibited at leading institutions worldwide, including recent shows in China and Austria. This exhibition is part of ERM's 10th anniversary program, celebrating a decade since the opening of its Raadi campus.
