Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas. 1981.
Signature: KÕKS 81 / Paris – rue de Monceau. Õli, 27×33 cm, 1981 Endel Kõks

In 1980, Endel Kõks wrote in his diary: “I have started to secretly organize an exhibition of miniatures for ESTO, so that Estonians can really see and buy good and affordable art. We have decided to set the size of the miniatures: the longer side of the picture is about 35 cm. This is so that the buyer can put the picture in the bottom of their suitcase and take it with them on the plane and deliver it to their home.” (“Endel Kõks. With Courage, Freedom and Joy”, TKM 2013, p. 125.)

The same year, an exhibition took place in Stockholm where Kõks himself also exhibited five pieces. Inspired by the popularity of the exhibition, the artist continued to use the same format on his subsequent trips and they developed into a kind of fascinating travel series, each of which conveyed the true spirit of the place in a concentrated form.

A street scene from one of the most known streets of the metropolis based on impressions from a trip to Paris, stands out for its documentary-like approach to motifs and artistic freedom in the use of color. All participants in this scene are separate, united only by belonging to the composition, which is intrigued by the text UNISEX on the wall.

What can also be read: admission free. Generally speaking, it can be said that the artist has been fascinated by a section of street that contains picturesque possibilities, which today feels like a refreshing journey back in time. The painting comes to auction from the Endel Kõks estate.

Text: Katre Palm, Harry Liivrand