art words | Elena Scialtiel
ESTONIAN AESTHETICS It is Nordic November - and Estonian artist Märt Rannast is painting the town every shade of autumnal bliss...
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he solo exhibition currently on display at Sacarello’s is a Gibraltarian premiere for this seasoned artist, quite well known in and around his country, that he describes as ‘a colour spot on the painting of Europe: small, but without it, the artwork would be imperfect’. “For the first time I have the opportunity to show my creations in a wonderfully cultural environment, different from the Nordic nostalgia that surrounds me daily,” Märt says. “The chance of introducing my art and artistic trends to a magnificent place like Gibraltar is both an incredible and interesting experience for me.”
His collection illustrates the human ability to “continually express itself in a way where communication “Estonia: a through feelings and colour spot on emotions is permathe painting of nent, and language, Europe: small, mannerism, political views, religion, power but without etc. do not come first,” it, the artwork he adds, suggestwould be ing for it the title of imperfect.” ‘Permanent’.
With a nod to compatriot artists Lembit Saarts, Valdur Ohakas and Ülo Sooster, who developed national modern art in the early Sixties and gave it a unique identity, Märt Rannast’s style is an original melange 60
defines my choice of style. I don’t focus just on one style, when I try to express my emotions in the best way for them to be transmitted most effectively. Each individual perceives expression differ“Each individual ently. Shape and colour communicate and stimulate different perceives emotions in a direct and specific expression way. My goal is inspiring viewers differently. to interact with art through their Shape and own vision.”
of Impressionism, Cubism, Symbolism, Crepuscular and Naive, peppered with the his country’s magical folklore, warm earth tones and the evanescent lights borrowed from Aurora Borealis’s cloak.
colour communicate and stimulate different emotions in a direct and specific way.”
Permanent but ever-changing, because his style and subject matters are varied and eclectic in space and time. His work is not just about the physical four dimensions, but it all pivots on emotions: “That is what
A welcome novelty is that Märt is showing a selection of sculptures alongside his charmingly desolate landscapes, sombre portraits, geometric still natures and muted abstracts: “They are inspired by nature. I have used nature’s own shapes to materialise my subjective thoughts. Stone sculptures are a noteworthy part of my childhood and this has left a mark on my choice of media and form.”
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2015