WIND and LIGHT
1 November 2011 - 15 January 2012
Estonian Embassy in Washington
2131 Massachusetts Av., NW
Washington, D.C. 20008 USA
Open only by appointment:
tel. (1 202) 588 0101 or e-mail: info@estemb.org
This exhibition, entitled "Wind and Light", features drawing and video works. The drawings are wax pigment and graphite on mylar, ranging from intimate, 5 x 5 inch squares to larger, more ambitious expressions measuring up to four feet on a side. Regardless of scale, the group of drawings, identified by the titles: Air Dance Series and Maelstrom Series, are a response to the motions of air and wind. An economy of line spontaneously, yet assuredly, echoes the swirling, energized forces of nature. Peerna writes of these works that they are “mappings of air movement in nature registered by my senses. They chart quiet and tender breezes but also storms that have the power to destroy. There is beauty in the extremes as well as a hint of anxiety. The works are very immediate responses to sensory data and also reverberate on a bigger theme of changes in climate.” Their simplicity of black on white combined with an intense energy yields a rare profundity and beauty.
In the video work, Lines of Light ( 7:03, 2010) Peerna is observing changes of light on her studio wall. Ordinary moment turned into the magical world.
Jaanika Peerna is an Estonian born artist living and working in New York since 1998. Her work encompasses drawings, videos and light installations often dealing with the theme of transitions in light, air, water and other natural phenomena. She has an MFA in intermedia design from State University of New York, and has worked as teaching artist at DIA:Beacon, NY and the Visual Thinking Strategies project of the Soros Foundation. She has exhibited her work extensively since 2001 in entire New York metropolitan area as well as in Honolulu, Dubai, Paris, Lisbon, Tallinn, Rome and Sofia. Her 2011 exhibitions include the International Paper Art Biennial in Sofia, Bulgaria and a group exhibition Libetre at Chateau Asnieres in Paris. Her work is represented by Masters & Pelavin Gallery in New York. (www.masterspelavin.com)
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| Looking at "Maelstrom Series", wax pigment on vel |
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| Terje Raadik, Kaare Kolbre in discussion |
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| opening reception |
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| opening reception, Mrs. Marina Kajurand, The Ambassador |
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| Estonian Embassy on Washington Ave, DC |
