The exhibition "Something That Should Be Felt" at Tallinn's Foku Gallery is a captivating exploration of memory, history, touch, and the intricate relationship between people and images. This Finnish-Estonian collaboration showcases the works of Hilla Kurki and Taavi Rekkaro, who delve into the profound ways memories shape our experiences of closeness and presence. The artists challenge traditional notions of two-dimensional images, opting for spatial forms that invite viewers to engage more intimately with the artwork.
Hilla Kurki's "Clay Diaries" series is a poignant reflection on family history and tradition. Through her photographs, she captures people alongside plants and other living beings, creating a sense of timelessness. By inviting fellow artists to visit her great-grandparents' house, Kurki transforms the exhibition into a living archive, where friendship becomes the essence of the work, rather than just its subject. This approach raises intriguing questions about the veracity of these moments and the role of shared experiences in shaping our memories.
Taavi Rekkaro's work takes a different approach, inviting viewers to physically interact with photography. His photographs and objects challenge the conventional idea of photography as a static medium. Rekkaro's images capture fleeting moments, inner uncertainties, and the complexities of self-perception and relationships. The gallery wall, featuring a melting moment composed of works from 2023, encourages visitors to slow down and construct their own narratives, moving away from a single, fixed story.
Both artists delve into the connections between memory, the body, and self-perception, prompting the question: How can we be sure that we were truly present in these moments, that these memories are authentic? This exhibition is a thought-provoking journey into the subjective nature of memory and the power of touch and presence in shaping our experiences.
"Something That Should Be Felt" is on display at Foku Gallery until September 26th. It is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art, memory studies, and the profound ways in which art can provoke introspection and a deeper understanding of the human condition.
