Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas, pasted on cardboard. 1973
Signature: J. Arrak 73 / J. Arrak “Mees laua taga” 1973 a õli, lõuend (50×70 cm)

By the 1970s, Jüri Arrak (1936-2022) had developed a unique surreal figure type whose universality allowed him to create a wide variety of psychological characters. The artist always sought emotion, stories, and feelings in his works, and the simplified visual form allowed him to focus on these.

“Man at the table” talks about timeless values, the importance of being alone with one’s own thoughts, and taking time off. Arrak paints a man holding a sledge-like object – as if to suggest that before starting work, one must come to terms with oneself, set plans, and act wisely. But perhaps the seated man is reflecting on what has already happened? It is late, the sun has set, and it is time to sum up the day. In Arrak’s case, both are of course relevant – philosophizing was one of his favorite activities, along with creating art.

Text: Katre Palm, Harry Liivrand