“who i talk to when you are not here” by Paul Beaudoin

On Friday, 7 February at 5.00 p.m., the interdisciplinary artist Paul Beaudoin opens his solo exhibition who i talk to when you are not here at Vabaduse Gallery.

The exhibition delves into the quiet yet profound dialogues within the self. Through a collection of paintings, the artist explores inner exchanges between the conscious and unconscious mind, the spiritual and the secular. Many of the works have been created during an artist residency at the Alice Boner Institute in Varanasi, India. The exhibition in the Vabaduse gallery marks the first time Beaudoin’s works have been shown in Estonia.

Paul Beaudoin: This exhibition is an invitation to pause and listen – to the paintings, the sounds, and the conversations between the self and the unseen forces that guide it. The paintings and the integration of sculptural elements, a sound installation, and live music create a multi-sensory environment where the visitor is encouraged to engage deeply with the work, allowing for discoveries and reflections with each visit.

Beaudoin’s subtle and meditative approach to his visual work contrasts deeply with the energetic soundscapes of Varanasi, where the artist’s stay gave rise to the collection. In Varanasi, the cacophony of everyday life and sacred rituals – from the morning chants along the river Ganges to the sounds of street vendors and bustling crowds – formed the backdrop for a profound inner journey. This sound world, collected by Beaudoin during his time in India, is represented at the exhibition as a sound installation, adding an immersive dimension that bridges the city’s external noise with the paintings’ quiet inner world.

The exhibited paintings are also accompanied by a selection of sculptural objects that represent the artist’s spiritual process and commitment to the ongoing act of creation, offering a protective presence in the space, much like the temples of Varanasi.

Live performances from local musicians will transform throughout the exhibition, fusing the gallery's atmosphere with live performances from local musicians, offering a fusion of visual art and sound. Invited musicians and the artist will present solo improvisations in direct response to the paintings and the environment of the Vabaduse Gallery. The musicians’ spontaneous and expressive sounds will meet the paintings’ quiet and reflective nature.

Musical performances at the exhibition:
15 February 16.00 – Tarmo Johannes, flute
22 February 16.00 – Paul Beaudoin, clarinet and Indian singing bowl
5 March 16.00 – Kristjan Kannukene, viola and voice

The exhibition who i talk to when you are not here will remain open until 5 March 2025.

Paul Beaudoin (b. 1960, USA) is an interdisciplinary artist who works with paint, sound, video, and text. With a PhD in music theory and composition from Brandeis University (Waltham, USA), his artistic journey spans over four decades as a composer, educator, author, and public speaker. A self-described "tantric artist," Beaudoin incorporates the principles of Tantra into his creative process, focusing on inner exploration, transcendent and mysterious experiences, and a deep connection to the self and the universe. His work invites viewers into an intimate dialogue with themes of identity, spirituality, and the human condition.

During his 2015 Fulbright Scholar fellowship in Tallinn, his passion for making visual art was reawakened, leading to his first major exhibition in the USA. He permanently relocated to Tallinn in 2018 and reignited an artistic career. Beaudoin draws inspiration from his life in Estonia, producing art that bridges cultural divides while exploring the balance of opposites, awakening inner energy, and pursuing higher consciousness.

 Thanks to: Alice Boner Institute, Varanasi, India.

The gallery is supported by the Estonian Ministry of Culture, the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, and Liviko Ltd.

Vabaduse Gallery is managed by the Estonian Artists’ Association.

Lisainfo:
Vabaduse Gallery
Tel: +372 5805 0009
E-mail: vabaduse@eaa.ee
Vabaduse väljak 6
10146 Tallinn
Mon–Fri 11.00–18.00
Sat  11.00–17.00

Picture: Beaudoin, Paul. leap of faith, 2023 (fragment). Acrylic, mixed media on canvas, 200 x 200 cm.