Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Oil on masonite. 1967.
Signature: TAMME

Aksel Tamme, who started out in Pallas and later continued his art studies abroad as a refugee due to life’s twists and turns, eventually ended up in Canada, where he achieved success. Namely, Tamme’s solo exhibition in Toronto in 1965 set a record of its own in Estonian art history: 40 out of the 51 displayed pieces were sold, and not all of them were for sale (Vaba Eesti Sõna, 29 April 1965).

“Sailboats” is a good example of his exciting stylization and balanced taste in color. The dynamics of the group of small sailing ships are clearly evident in the composition, but whether they are anchored in a harbor or at sea is up to the viewer to decide, as one could equally well see the city in the foreground or the waves churning in the wind.

Text: Harry Liivrand, Katre Palm