“Changing Times”

As the title suggests, the exhibition concept is time and change, but it also contemplates on locales of people. In the light of current affairs, the political subtext of the artwork is inspired from the refugee crisis and human migration. The exhibition displays marker, graphite and charcoal drawings.

The artist himself says that his work is almost illustrative as the inspiration mostly derives from an image or composition and only then ends up on paper. But his work is far from “recording” and is often created through a line that is constantly moving and searching.

The viewers gaze observes the dynamic play of lines and tries to get a fix on a disappearing centre. Multilayered figures and expressions emerge from the seemingly abstract work and blend into one swarm. Many artwork on display (Over Water I-II, Spring Rain) contain references to the disparate symbolism of water and therefore also to new times, beginnings and movements.

Matti Pärk’s exhibition “Changing Times” has captured contemplations, experiences or emotions with a skilful use of media, colour and line while leaving plenty of space to the viewers own subjective interpretation.

Matti Pärk (s1945) has graduated from Tartu Art School and Estonian Academy of Arts. He has worked at Valgus Publishers as the art director of ENE (Estonian Soviet Encyclopedia), where he designed and edited the publications. Matti has designed hundreds of books for various publishers and illustrated poetry collections, children and prose books.
Since 1984, he has been teaching drawing at Estonian Academy of Arts.

Matti has participated in the annual exhibition of the Estonian Artists’ Association (Spring Exhibition) and exhibited works in Hungary, Keila, Tallinn, Sweden, Jõhvi and Tartu. His drawings are in private collections in Poland, Austria, Estonia, Sweden and Hungary. Many of Matti’s books have received recognition in Estonia and abroad. He has participated at Vilnius book triennials and Polish drawing triennials. In 2015, he was nominated for the grand prize at the 5th International Drawing Triennial in Tallinn.

Exhibition is open until 14.03.2021
Gallery is open Mon-Sun 10am-6pm

More information:
info@staapliart.ee