The Forest Whispers

The exhibition "Forest Whispers" of contemporary Estonian jewelry tells about the relationship with nature, the forest, and its significance from the perspective of 55 jewelry artists. The jewelry opens up the relationship with the forest and nature from different perspectives: through mythology, forest connection, and the use of natural materials or ideas. The experience of nature unfolds in various ways by spending time there: wandering, sitting, listening, lingering, drawing, photographing, swimming, berry picking, and mushroom picking. Home can also be located close to nature. The jewelry has conveyed the artists' experiences, observations, dreams, traditions, and ancient knowledge.

The jewelry opens up the relationship with the forest and nature from different perspectives: through mythology, forest connection, and the use of natural materials or ideas. The jewelry has conveyed the artists' experiences, observations, dreams, traditions, and ancient knowledge. In Estonia, jewelry art is highly valued and it particularly reflects the Estonian state of mind. Most of the jewelry in the "Forest Whispers" exhibition has been displayed at the Estonian National Museum Eesti Rahva Museum in the exhibition "Mets vastab, allikas kõnetab " from 20.10.2023 to 31.03.2024. The curator of the exhibition was then and is now Doctor of Arts Kärt Summatavet. Some jewelry made by students will also be displayed.

The Kruunu Museum conducted a survey with the exhibition's jewelry artists about their relationship with nature and the forest and its impact on the exhibition's works. We interpret the relationship with the forest through the results in this exhibition. The obtained information is reflected against the Finns' relationship with the forest and research on the effects of forests.

The artists' jewelry is mainly made in the 2020s. The oldest piece is Leida Ilo's jewelry from 1977, when Estonia was occupied. The profession of goldsmith could not be practiced by just anyone, processing precious metals was forbidden under the threat of punishment. The Soviet militia guarded the factories and workshops at Kunsti Fond and ARS Juveel. The forest had a special significance during the occupation, it was a spiritual refuge to which Estonians had a strong connection.

At the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki, the exhibition "Soul of Jewelry" is on display, which is an introduction to the "Forest Whispers" exhibition. The exhibition can be viewed by booking an appointment on the embassy's website.

The artists of the exhibition are:

Agnes Veski

Andrei Balašov

Ane Raunam

Anne Roolaht

Anni Kagovere

Anu Paal

Bianca Triinu Toots

Diana Dello

Egge Edussaar-Eidemiller

Eilve Manglus

Elize Hiiop

Elias Sormanen

Ene Valter

Evar Riitsaar

Harri Tensing

Hedi Vrager

Heikki Puhk

Helen Sang

Ilona Treiman

Indrek Ikkonen

Ivar Kaasik

Jaan Pärn

Julia Maria Künnap

Kadi Kübarsepp

Kadi Veesaar

Kairin Koovilt

Kairi Sirendi

Keesi Kapsta

Kertu Tuberg

Kerttu Vellerind

Kirsti Tuum

Krista Laos

Krista Lehari

Kristiina Laurits

Kärt Summatavet

Kätrin Beljaev

Leida Ilo

Liisa Tikka

Ljubov Kedrina

Maarja Niinemägi

Madis Mattus

Margit Paulin

Margus Kalberg

Mari Käbin

Marita Lumi

Mart Reino

Meelika Hainsoo

Merike Balod

Mirjam Aun

Raili Vinn

Reet Kandimaa

Riin Somelar

Tiia-Mai Tiikoja

Tõnis Malkov

Urmas Laanaru

Viivi Aavik

Ülle Kõuts

Ülle Voosalu

Eve Margus-Villems

Piret Hirv

 

The exhibition is supported by the Estonian Embassy in Finland, the National Board of Antiquities, Espoo, and Roman Tavast.

 

Picture: Kadi Veesaar, Howl of the Wolf