Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on masonite. 1968.
Signature: EP 68 / E. Põldroos “Märklaud“ õli 1968 90×60

“The mystery of art seems to lie in the fact that the meaning of a true masterpiece lies immeasurably above the wisdom that nourished its creation.”

Enn Põldroos, 2007

Enn Põldroos (b. 1933), a master of painting who celebrated his 90th anniversary last year, has been among the leading Estonian painters since the 1960s, and the analysis and interpretation of his work is still relevant today. As an important part of this, the artist’s comprehensive solo exhibition “Enn Põldroos. The Museum of Obsessions” will open at Kumu at the end of 2024, curated by Anders Härm.

In “Target”, Põldroos combines surrealism and symbolism, which greatly inspired young Estonian artists in that decade, with the social sensitivity of art. By placing a signature symbol that recurs in his work, a round silver ball, in the center of the human figure, the artist gives it a deep and ambiguous meaning, given the title. The core of the target, the bullet, the human heart, the conscience – Põldroos does not leave the viewer without touching them personally.

Considering the year of creation – 1968 – Põldroos’ painting can also be interpreted as an expression of protest against the violence that broke out in the USA, France and Prague, and as a living target. The background carries the spirit of the era, which, on a red floral background associated with the color of love, interprets the famous slogan “make love not war” that was popular in modern youth culture in 1968.

Text: Harry Liivrand, Katre Palm