Printmaking from Soviet Estonia

Monday, January 14, 2008 - Saturday, April 12, 2008

Prints from the Zimmerli Museum and Rutgers University in the Lower Gallery

“Art was a controlled substance in Russia and the Communist-bloc countries of Eastern Europe during much of the Soviet era (1922-91). While government censors tried to restrict what artists painted or sculpted – especially anything with a religious or political theme – they largely ignored etchings, lithographs and other prints because they were considered minor art forms. A new show of 41 Soviet-era Estonian prints, on loan from Rutgers University, suggests that a lot of social commentary slipped under the official radar in those days. The Rutgers collection specializes in “nonconformist” art, meaning pieces that ignored or defied the official party line.”  (Mary Abbe, Star Tribune)

This exhibition includes work by Jüri Arrak, Leonhard Lapin, Malle Leis, Raul Meel, Jüri Okas, Klajo Põllu, Vello Vinn and Aili Vint.