“Somewhere, over the rainbow“ annual exhibition by the Estoanin Painters Association

Annual exhibition of the Estonian Painters Association at MONA the New Museum of Art

6.04.-26.05.2024

“Someplace where there isn't any trouble. Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat, or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon , beyond the rain" asked Dorothy/Judy Garland to her dog Toto, in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz“.

“Somewhere, over the rainbow...“—an anthem that has resonated across the past half-century, particularly among oppressed and marginalized communities, including sexual minorities. In times of turmoil, there is an increased demand for fairy tales, as they symbolize a beacon of hope amidst adversity.

In 1939, against the backdrop of the burgeoning Great War and political upheaval in Europe, the world faced circumstances reminiscent of our present day. However, today's challenges are compounded by a global ecological crisis, a consequence of human activities that has further strained the underlying systems. The echoes of geopolitical imperialism and authoritarian leadership that were prevalent in 1939 persist in our current reality.

Artists, driven by an enduring ambition to catalyze change or contribute to societal evolution, find themselves undergoing a profound "reality check" during anxious periods. In the best-case scenario, such times may prompt personal transformation. Alternatively, change may manifest organically at the grassroots level, silently permeating through aesthetic realms.
On the international painting scene, the art of previously untouched regions or even entire continents, has become a source of vitality and/or guidance. The fresh ideas emanating from metropolises in recent decades largely rely on the incorporation of cultural characteristics from various regions of the world. Artists, as pioneers, assimilate and domesticate elements from foreign cultures—potentially positioning them as agents of international globalism.

The revered tradition of painting endures as a medium for capturing the inquisitive gaze of living beings upon their surroundings and fostering empathy for all life forms. Simulacrums, crafted through a blend of traditional quoting and disruptive techniques, are invited to grace our exhibition.

To all painters, the power lies within you to construct either an ethereal castle in the air or a bridge beyond the rainbow—interpreting this metaphor as you will.

Despite the strides in technology and the vast cultural tapestry woven since 1939, the world in 2024 seems eerily reminiscent of its predecessor. The Wizard of Oz, a groundbreaking musical film, failed to avert World War II, highlighting the seemingly unheeded lessons of history.

Jaan Elken
Curator

Additional information:
MONA the New Museum of Art
Rüütli 40a, Pärnu
Mon–Sun 11.00–18.00
www.mona.ee