Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Mezzotint on paper. 1974.
Signature: Päikesevene, metsotinto – “Kodalased” / K. Põllu 1974

Kaljo Põllu’s (1934-2010) graphic art series were the axis of national romanticism in the 1970s. “Kodalased” (25 sheets), created between 1973 and 1975 and one of Põllu’s most influential series, was exhibited in exhibitions in Finland, Sweden and Norway in the 1980s, together with the later “Kalivägi” series (65 sheets).

“Päikesevene” became one of the most iconic prints  in this series, with its profound message and suggestive imagery. The design, depicting travelers traveling along a river on a moonlit night, was often chosen as the cover image for Põllu’s exhibitions and has become one of the artist’s signature images for many art lovers.

The song of deep curses echoing in Finno-Ugric mythology, the passing down of timeless survival wisdom from generation to generation, and legends find expression in Põllu’s work through the soft language of the mezzotint technique. Its softness and melting transitions help to amplify the primal magic that Põllu found on his expeditions and often transferred to the plate by depicting night light.

The prints in his “Kodalased” series seek answers to important existential questions: where have we come from and where are we going? Therefore, it is no coincidence that it was for this series that Põllu was awarded the prestigious Kristjan Raud Prize in 1975. “Päikesevene” is also part of the collection of the Art Museum of Estonia.

Text: Katre Palm