Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Etching on paper. 1975.
Bottom left: “Näitleja”, ofort / M. Mutsu 75

The late but still one of the greatest figures of Estonian graphic art, Marju Mutsu (1941-1980), was fascinated by the spontaneous and sensitive use of the etching needle. By activating the white surface of paper as a pictorial space, exceptionally captivating narratives were born, which simultaneously drew in and expanded the stories beyond the work.

The etching “Actress” is a psychological and symbolic depiction of the soul of a performer. Remaining serious even when the mask has fallen and the hand of an admirer extends a bouquet of flowers, the model embodies an actress contemplating her roles, as indicated by the dice thrown in the air. Life and stage, theatre and life – how often do their boundaries blur? What roles does an actress carry with her when she steps on stage, and which ones does she take with her when she leaves?

The print’s subtle graphic texture is in keeping with the existential searches reflected in the character’s facial expression – one of the artist’s strongest designs in terms of narrative.

Mutsu’s “Actress” is also part of the collection of the Art Museum of Estonia.

Text: Katre Palm, Harry Liivrand