“Slugs like us” by Katariin Mudist

Katariin Mudist “Slugs like us” at the HOP gallery

The exhibition's opening is on April 18th at 6 p.m. accompanied by a performance by Keithy Kuuspu. A series of new texts for Katariin and her Slugs have been compiled by Sophie Durand on the occasion of this exhibition.

The exhibition is open: Thu–Tue 11–18 until May 14th, 2024.

The exhibition ‘Slugs like Us’ by Katariin Mudist infests the gallery with more than 300 ceramic slugs produced over the past three years. Building from an understanding that disgust and arousal are feelings that coexist, clay has been repetitively transformed into the form of a being that might ordinarily disgust into something beautiful, perhaps even erotic.

Infused with their own particular kind of spunk these sculptures have been both the focus of Katariin’s making and also have been produced alongside a relentless dedication to active material inquiry into processes such as bricklaying, list making and journaling.
Each slug with their subtle details and individualisation marks periods of a lived experience. They are self-determined and intrinsically connected to their maker; contained crafted artworks that create a context: a world of their own. This new installation of the slugs gives viewers a glimpse into this world, and the possibility to imagine what stories it might hold.

Stories may begin with Katariin and end with Slugs or vice versa or either or neither. These slugs are themselves an externalization of touch, a caress that is in the past, an action that no longer exists. The slug that is left is the only evidence of this touch. And thus, their autopoetic production process might seem separate from their present state of being; leaving us with the question: what are they?

Katariin Mudist (1994) likes but also dislikes slugs. In her work, she explores humanity's different facets and manifestations in our social world. She is currently studying for a Master's degree in the Craft Studies program at EKA, searching for a common language between visual and material-focused art practices. In 2022, she graduated with a Master's degree from the Contemporary Art Department of the Estonian Academy of Arts and in 2018 she graduated from the Media and Advertising Design Department of the Pallas University of Applied Sciences. During her studies, she has been a guest student at KASK and Moholy-Nagy Universities. Katariin is a member of AEP, EAYCA and EAA.

The exhibition team:
Exhibition text by Sophie Durand
Exhibition design and production assistance by Alden Jõgisuu
Performance by Keithy Kuuspu

Thanks to EKA Ceramics Department, KASK & Conservatorium, Laura de Jaeger, Johanna Mudist, Alan Voodla, Eva Nava, Terje and Taaniel Mudist, Mathias Väärsi, Joosep Kivimäe, Liisa-Lota Jõeleht, Elmo Ant, Riin Alatalu, Raivo Kuusik, Anne Eelmere and many more.
The exhibition is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Põhjala, and Punch Drinks.

Exhibitions in HOP gallery are supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Estonian Ministry of Culture and Liviko Ltd.

Additional information:
Maria Valdma-Härm
HOP Gallery
Tel: +372 646 2887
Gsm: +372 511 2350
Hobusepea 2, 10133 Tallinn
Thu–Tue 11.00–18.00