Eksperimenta! 2011 »

Expositions at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. Foto: Kerli Kehman

Exhibition at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. Photo: Kerli Kehman

The first Eksperimenta! exhibition took place as part of the European Capital of Culture Tallinn 2011 programme at Tallinn Song Festival Grounds and in Maarjamäe Palace from April 27 – June 14 2011 and presented contemporary art on the topic “Space” by young artists from 13 countries.

The triennial exhibited more than 400 artworks by 14-19 year old artists from Canada, Portugal, Germany, Slovenia, Turkey, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Russia, South Korea, Iceland and Ireland.

International triennial jury announced the winners in three categories: The award of the most promising young artist went to the Irish exposition for the group project “Stop Motion Animation”, the curatorial prize went to Nina Ostan, the curator of Slovenian exposition, and the Finnish exposition (curated by Juha Saari) was given a prize for integrating contemporary art and art education. In addition, the jury gave an honourable mention to Turkish author Cagla Sozen’s installation “Detail”.

Stop Motion Animation. Photo: Kid's Own

The national expositions, which were curated by professional curators, were visited by more than 18 000 visitors during the 50 days of the triennial. The audience voted Dunya Aydos’s artwork “Pedigree” as their favourite.

Video overview of Eksperimenta! 2011

Impressions from the 2011 triennial:

“The maturity reflected in the works of the triennial participants is amazing and some of the participants are certainly bound to be notable artists in the future.” Sirje Helme, head of triennial jury

“What I learned from this exhibition, is that contemporary art is not just some lines and random texts – as I thought before, but instead something more deep and profound is hidden underneath. The endevour to put soul into art. And many of the artworks at the exhibition consisted that – soul, anxiety and the desire to make the world better.” Saara Mägin, triennial visitor.

It is enjoyable, how they are able to make fun of themselves and all the absurdity we come across in our everyday lives! And yet how easily they manage to make the viewer think about simple things.” Madli Leikop, Koolielu.ee

“Great idea! Continue with the project.” Triennial visitor

“With the triennial, we are trying to reduce school dreariness and we sincerely hope that the ideas gathered here will bring back sparkle to children’s eyes.” Annely Köster, Director of E!

“Those attending the exhibition will find an exciting and diverse range of works from young artists from across the world that display fierce creativity and a talent that belies their tender years. The artists, who are grouped together by country, were given the theme of ‘space’ and the wide and varied way in which the theme has been interpreted is both intriguing and insightful.” Laurence Boyce, The Baltic Times

“Thank you Iceland for the rooms. Charming, astonishing, creative, good.” Triennial visitor

Drawing-commentaries on Eksperimenta! 2011.