Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Collage, acrylic. 2008.
Signature: MN ´08 / “7 surmapattu“ MALL NUKKE ‘2008

Balanced compositions and colors as well as a narrative thought out in detail, are the cornerstones of the work of Estonian neo-pop queen Mall Nukke (b. 1964), a powerful example of which is her 2008 painting “7 Deadly Sins.” Nukke’s immersion in the subject is admirable – in preparation for this painting, she read through both the New and Old Testaments and, by analyzing the stories there, created a modern version of the seven deadly sins.

As an ironic observer, she pokes fun at both the worship of mammon and the gluttony of the media and everyday life. Nukke asks the viewer what absolute right is, who is right, why is he right? Who is God, who is red, who is black? Can God take the form of an animal? What can he punish with? With a sword or with words?

And do we hide ourselves with a mask or do we appear before God with our own face? Or does it matter at all when all-seeing eyes are always on you anyway. The main message of “7 Deadly Sins”, which draws its strength from Art Nouveau in its stylistic sense, is therefore to remain honest with oneself and others, because there is nowhere to escape anyway – a theme whose eternal value the artist has conveyed with aging varnish.

With this piece, we celebrate the 60th birthday of Mall Nukke.

Text: Katre Palm