Eesti kunsti oksjonid
Eevart Arrak “Meeste mängud”
Sügisoksjon 2025
Oil on plywood. 1979.
Signature: Eevart Arrak 79 / EEVART ARRAK MEESTE MÄNGUD 1979a ÕLI, VINEER. 116 x 126 cm
| Measurements | 116 x 126 cm |
|---|---|
| Starting price | 4 800 € |
| Number of bids | 10 |
| Hammer price | 6 600 € |
Born in Võru County, Eevart Arrak (1936-2014) studied in various art studios in Tartu, including his brother Erich Arrak’s art school, skillfully synthesizing different styles in his work. Arrak, who mainly focused on figure and landscape paintings, is best known for his symbolist compositions, including the 1979 masterpiece “Men’s games”.
The work features a father and son – man against man, friend against friend, in an undefined landscape. Taking each other to task in a game that was played by the ancient Egyptians. But how important is it who comes out on top? Is one deliberately feigning weakness to give their opponent strength of mind and joy? Because behind this table, we are actually talking about love.
Following Palladian principles in the painting technique, Arrak poses a question in “Men’s games” and leaves the answer open to the viewer. Just as in this surrealistic composition, he also leaves open the table, the chair, and the raging sea in the background. If this is a sea at all?
“Men’s games” belongs to the peak period of Eevart Arrak’s work and has been exhibited at numerous exhibitions, including the 1979 autumn show, the artist’s anniversary exhibition at the Sebra Gallery (1996), and a solo exhibition at the Tartu Art House (2006).
Text: Katre Palm