Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Mixed media on paper. 1967.
Signature: Kõks 67

The theme of art galleries and halls attracted several famous Estonian artists abroad in the 1950s and 1960s, which in a way spoke of the enthusiasm for modern art after World War II. Endel Kõks (1912-1983), who was himself a very frequent visitor to various exhibitions, both in Sweden and elsewhere in the world, thus also depicted these visits from the position of a viewer.

In most cases, these paintings, which have been brought into a gallery setting, show visitors looking at abstract and surrealist works of art or pop art. In Kõks’ mixed-media painting, the first thing that catches the eye is the fashionably dressed exhibit visitors, led by young women in mini-dresses and a man with a long beard.

Given the eclectic nature of the display, it can be assumed that this is probably a survey exhibition, from which works could also be purchased. For Kõks, who made a good living by selling his works through these types of exhibitions, the situation thus reflects an everyday and at the same time important event.

Text: Harry Liivrand