Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas. 1994
Signature: EÕ 94

The master of Estonian surrealism Ervin Õunapuu (b. 1956) has practiced oil painting very little – we mainly know him as a watercolorist – but existentialism is a recurring theme in both of these styles. “Life light” tells the story of the beginning of the world, the moment when lantern plants began to bloom in the dark bog, comforted by the light of the fire. The moment when the quietly awakened wind took its light with it and gave birth to the fire of life.

Õunapuu’s work is full of philosophical thoughts that take the viewer far away to a metaphysical world where there are no people. A place where there is only the primal power of nature and insights are born. To recognize them, you have to dive deep into your subconscious as that’s where your true life light lies.

Text: Katre Palm