I did my first show in Paradise Regained Platinum in 2011. Now, 12 years later, my fourth show is up there, so the company is familiar. I admire the sharp mind and sensitivity of gallerist Sophia Björkman.
The core of this exhibition is a series of carved black hearts exhibited on wooden organ instruments. When I started this series, there was no war yet, so it didn’t affect it, even if it may seem so. My loved one was diagnosed with a deadly disease. He has always been a great support and inspiration for my art, so the series began to grow around him. I decided to exhibit sad hearts on the organ instruments I received from him. This organ of a small Estonian village church is what he did not complete. I have given new life to this instrument.
The exhibition also features nipple-shaped jewellery that alludes to themes of the freedom to display the body, and works where the two series meet surrealist narrative imagery in the form of flames and lustful tongues. The Paincor exhibition is a powerful stopover in terms of both pain and the experience of sexual identity.
The last piece of the exhibition was completed when the world was dragged so close to the horrors of war at that time. Endless sadness, frustration in politics and many tears. Reading the news is like beating your heart.
At Paincor there are black hearts, dark hearts, hearts filled with sadness. There are hearts that speak through archetypes rather than physicality; the heart as a figure imbued with its endless representation.
I dedicate my black pierced onyx heart to tears.
The exhibition is open until 23. until April – so if you come to Stockholm, you are welcome!
Tanel Veenre’s art can also be seen on Instagram @ tanelveenre.art.
