Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on canvas. 2003.

Peeter Allik (1966-2019), who observes society through the prism of the absurd, is a surrealist who sometimes juxtaposes objects that seem to be the most contradictory. Yet he manages to present it so convincingly in his paintings and graphic prints that one gets the impression that this is exactly how it should be.

Why shouldn’t a culinary stand be located in one of Tartu’s most well-known water parks? Why shouldn’t a water balloon imitate a pig’s head? Why do we even think that objects have to be in their usual places? Artist Mall Nukke, who has always been inspired by Allik’s works, aptly notes: “Here we could paraphrase the Bible: you came from water and to water you must return.”

Allik knows how to surprise the viewer through humor and make us think about the seemingly impossible connections between things. So, can you pass by this piece without a smile? It puts you in a good mood, doesn’t it? The painting is reproduced in the hardcover book accompanying the exhibition “Peeter Allik. Cultivated Schizophrenia” held at the Tartu Art Museum in 2017, on page 130.

Text: Katre Palm