Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas. 2003.
Signature: Meiu Münt 2003 / Meiu Münt “Pihik“ 2003 (õli, lõuend)

Dresses appeared in Meiu Münt’s (b. 1972) work in the early 2000s, first as background objects, then as separate portraits. The artist herself explains how she came to the subject: “Perhaps the theme has its roots in my childhood. From the first to the fourth grade I went to a ballet club and, of course, I dreamed of becoming a ballerina. We performed at school spring parties and even on the Vanemuine stage. Once we wore bodices made of starched white gauze that were fluffy – I remember it so well that I can almost feel the stiff part of it between my fingers. It is a body memory, when you physically feel some sensations related to some memories.” (Meiu Münt, Peeter Talvistu “Meiu Münt. Red and Black”, 2020, p. 46).

The bodice, used as a basic clothing item to emphasize femininity for centuries, appears in today’s context as a historical artifact, a kind of portrait of noble ladies’ stories, love affairs and morning dressing ceremonies. At the same time, it is a warm and human tribute to femininity, enhanced by a delicate floral patterned background.

Text: Katre Palm