Apple as an Estonian. My gift in honour of Estonia 100

Apple paintings for Estonia’s 100 birthday

I have completed a series of paintings dedicated to Estonia’s 100 centenary.

The exhibition consist of apple paintings. All different sorts of Estonian apples. Each with different taste, smell and appearance.

Why apples?

Apple, for me, is Estonian National Fruit. Every Estonian has a memory associated with the apple or apple tree.

Traveling through Estonian countryside one notices apple trees in most peculiar places. In the middle of desolate field, by the road or even in the forest. That is how you know, once there has been someone’s home, house or farm. Even when the buildings are long gone, apple tree still stands. And not only stands, but bears fruit. Apple tree does not give up easy.

Here is a similarity to Estonians. Despite of hard times, tough circumstances, painful events, Estonian does not give up easy. As a nation and as a individual.

Each of us has a scratch, spot or taint, but despite all of that we persevere. Stubbornly withstand. Just like the apple tree.

My apple paintings are accompanied with short stories. The stories help to understand the paintings and add a dimension to the paintings.

Just like us

An apple is just like an Estonian. Everyone with his own look. Shortage here and a rough spot there. Scar on one, and blemish on the other cheek. Shaken by storms, but still holding on. Unbending. Full of scent. Plain and genuine.

Unlike a glossy store apple. Unpolished and uneven. Almost not accepted by quality assurance. With the taste of home. Full of memories.

An apple is like an Estonian.  Not most attractive. Simple. Too ordinary. Very own. Seasoned to bear. Overcomer.

In January 2018 the paintings and texts are exhibited in Hiiumaa island. In February the show will move to Tallinn.

It would be my dream to present the project also outside of Estonia. To introduce our little but persistent nation. 

If you know a gallery or a spacious office lobby or some other alternative public room where I could exhibit, I would be very thankful for your help.

The description on official Estonia 100 page can be found here: https://www.ev100.ee/et/kingin-sulle-ouna-sest-oun-eestlase-moodi