Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas. 1997.
Signature: Sir / Sirje Runge “Objekt 2” 1997 54 x 81 cm õli, lõuend

One of the most well-known names in Estonian abstractionism, Sirje Runge (b. 1950) has dedicated decades to visualizing meditative meaning through extremely simple geometric shapes. Runge’s paintings are typically in bright, rococo pastel and soothing tones, and so is the case with the painting “Object 2”, where a delicate blue, slightly flexible figure penetrates a dull pink space.

Typologically, some works on the same subject by Andrus Rõuk immediately come to mind but Runge’s painting is more feminine and softer and not built on sharp color contrasts. Emotionally, however, Runge’s painting has something in common with Olav Maran’s metaphysical still-lifes.

A powerful exhibition of Runge’s works, which celebrates her 75th birthday this year, will also open this autumn at the Kai Art Center, with the aptly titled “On Fragile Soil. Sirje Runge and Light.”

Text: Harry Liivrand