Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Pencil on paper. 2008.
Signature: HLeis 2008

Hyperrealist artist Heikki Leis’ (b. 1973) portraits of known Estonians are literally world-famous – they have been published by, among others, the Daily Mail, one of the most well-known newspapers in Britain. In addition, 10 portraits, including this one, were exhibited as part of the solo exhibition “Ringvaade” held at the Tartu Art House in 2019.

Leis began making portraits of famous cultural figures in the 1990s. His first model was actor and singer Peeter Volkonski, who was combing his beard in front of a mirror. Thus was born a series of portraits of people doing morning beauty procedures, which also includes, for example, Priit Pärn, Andrus Kivirähk, Mai Murdmaa and many others. The artist himself has said in interviews that on average it took 300 hours to complete one portrait.

This print of the actress Merle Jääger aka Merca from “Vanemuine” combines realistic facial capture and surreal dislocation. Time leaves scars and we don’t get any younger with age, the picture says, but a wise person takes it all with humor. Leis conveys Merca’s rough, charming temperament and brings a cheerful smile to the viewer’s face.

Text: Katre Palm, Harry Liivrand