2025 Spring Exhibition

This year, 236 artists submitted their works to the Spring Exhibition, from which the jury selected pieces by 67 artists. Visitors will be presented with a diverse selection of contemporary Estonian art, including paintings, print art, sculptures, installations, as well as video, photo, and digital print works.

The exhibition features works by Art Allmägi, Eero Alev, Andre Joosep Arming, Sofi Aršas, Aksel Haagensen, Gudrun Heamägi, Madlen Hirtentreu, Irma Holm, Eero Ijavoinen, Mihkel Ilus, Cloe Jancis, Loit Jõekalda, Kai Kaljo, René Kari, Kati Kerstna, Tiiu Kirsipuu, Ilmar Kruusamäe, Liisa Kruusmägi, Gerth Kuusk, Tarrvi Laamann, Peeter Laurits, Krista Leesi, Lisette Lepik, Kris Lemsalu, Raul Meel, Jüri Mildeberg, Maarit Murka, Johanna Mudist, Katariin Mudist, Marko Mäetamm, Kaire Nurk, Terje Ojaver, Aet Ollisaar, Hille Palm, Mall Paris, Illimar Paul, Ann Pajuväli, Per William Petersen, Katrin Piile, Vassa Ponomarjova, Brenda Purtsak, Mari Roosvalt, Leho Rubis, Silja Saarepuu, Reti Saks, Hanno Soans, Grisli Soppe-Kahar, Silvia Sosaar, Marta Stratskas, Marleen Suvi, Erika Tammpere, Maryliis Teinfeldt-Grins, Daria Titova, Sasha Tishkov, Kadri Toom, Aivar Tõnso, Danel Ülper, Elo Vahtrik, Katrin Valgemäe, Kelli Valk, Ekke Väli, Einar Vene, Vergo Vernik, Urmas Viik, Vello Vinn, Mathias Väärsi and Ivan Zubaka.

“The Spring Exhibition is, at its core, a community of artists, not merely a display of works. This year, it clearly reflects how artists have been affected by questions of identity and environmental protection, and it also features significant social commentary. The exhibition brings together both acclaimed star artists and exciting emerging talents, whose works, when placed side by side, create unexpected and thought-provoking dialogues,” said Madli Ehasalu, project manager at Tallinn Art Hall and curator of the exhibition. “A remarkably large number of very strong works were submitted to the exhibition. In making our selection, we considered both the freshness of ideas and the overall cohesion of the show. In addition to paintings, visitors can see a diverse range of print works, photographic art, and spatial installations. Many of the works are also available for purchase, so I offer this food for thought to art collectors: sculptures and installations are not just meant for galleries or public space – they can bring striking spatial contrast and emotional depth into the home as well,” said the curator.

The exhibition’s designer, architect Maria Helena Luiga, has created a spatial solution that prioritises environmental sustainability: “The exhibition design is based on what already exists. It takes into account the solutions emphasised in the pavilion’s architectural language, using plywood and exposing the structural logic of temporary walls. The cumulative footprint of exhibition designs is significant, so it is important that each new layout makes maximum use of previously used materials.”

The exhibition walls are made from reusable modular frames, and instead of plastic stickers, the graphic design features thin paper posters inspired by street culture. The exhibition was installed by Valge Kuup.

As in previous years, the audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite artist. The artist who receives the most votes will be awarded a €6,000 prize sponsored by Estonian art collectors and patrons Riivo Anton, Aivar Berzin, Jaan Manitski, Tiit Pruuli, and Rain Tamm. Additionally, one lucky voter will win a €500 gift card from the NOBA.ac art platform. Voting takes place in the exhibition hall, and a selection of works is available for purchase on the NOBA.ac website.

The jury for this year’s Spring Exhibition included Vano Allsalu (representative of the Estonian Artists’ Association), Madli Ehasalu (project manager at Tallinn Art Hall), Kulla Laas (representative of the Estonian Artists’ Association), Maria Helena Luiga (exhibition designer), and Rain Tamm (art patron).

The Spring Exhibition will remain open until 8 June.