In autumn 1881, less than a month apart, two incredibly important Estonian cultural figures were born: August Jansen (in Allikukivi in Pärnu county) and Roman Nyman (in Tallinn). As a tribute for the 140th anniversary of their birth, Allee gallery will open a combined exhibit at the beginning of September, curated by Mai Levin. You will be able to see many excellent pieces from private collections as well as from the Viinistu Art Museum until the 2nd of October.
Many pieces that have thus far been unavailable to the public will be revealed now to everyone. Additionally, art historian Mai Levin has written short books about the life and work of both men. These books will be available at the gallery as well as in our online shop.
Both Jansen and Nyman got their art education in St. Petersburg and played an important part in standing up for the interests of Estonian painters. Even though both men dearly loved the nature of their homeland, they also found inspiration in Southern Europe during their travels.
Jansen loved bright colors and lushness as he was influenced by Russian impressionism more so than Nyman was. Jansen had great wanderlust and besides painting, was also interested in sculpture, ceramics and even mosaics. He was a national romantic through and through, which is seen in his compositions but also his landscapes.
Estonia’s first professional theatre artist Nyman was also proficient in several different styles and was also involved in graphic design as well as working with porcelain. He developed his style fairly early on and held onto it for decades. Nyman has been named a calm observer and a lyricist but he saw nature and old architecture more as a romanticist who expressed his emotional connection to nature in a fairly expressionistic manner.
At Allee’s autumn exhibit, you will be able to see Estonia’s lovely beaches and farm landscapes as well as city views, portaits and travel memories of Italy and Spain.
The exhibit will be open from 04.09-02.10.2021 (W-F 12.30-18. Sat. 12-26).