Estonian Artist Mara Kirchberg Wins Grand Prix at Nordic and Baltic Young Artist Awards
Estonian Artist Mara Kirchberg Wins Prestigious Nordic and Baltic Young Artist Award
Tallinn, Estonia – Emerging Estonian artist Mara Kirchberg has been awarded the coveted Grand Prix at the 2024 Nordic and Baltic Young Artist Awards, solidifying her place as a rising star in the contemporary art scene.
Kirchberg, a recent graduate of the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA), impressed the international jury with her transdisciplinary work exploring the fragility of hybrid systems. her practice encompasses sculptures, installations, and performance, all marked by a distinctive and mature style.
“Mara Kirchberg’s final thesis, ‘Feeding a Leaky Skin,’ stood out as a truly remarkable piece,” said Kaisa Maasik, EKA Gallery director and jury member. “The installation’s filtration systems took over the Uus Rada Gallery, revealing the specifics of the site while, in their visual resemblance to skin and bodily fluids, prompting reflections on corporeality and the fragility of the human system.”
The jury praised Kirchberg’s work for its topicality and the thoght-provoking questions it raises about care and the human condition.
This win marks a significant achievement for Estonia, as it’s the first time an Estonian artist has claimed the Grand prix since 2016.
“It’s splendid to see the Grand Prix return to Estonia after several years,” said Andra Orn,founder of the NOBA.ac art platform and competition initiator. “The competition has grown significantly since its inception,with more Nordic art academies participating and a larger pool of talented artists.Mara Kirchberg’s win is a testament to her extraordinary talent and the strength of Estonian art.”
[Image: Instagram embed of mara Kirchberg’s winning artwork]
The 2024 Nordic and Baltic Young Artist Awards also saw success for another Estonian artist,Kirke Kuiv,who received both the Public choice Award and the Fotografiska Award for her experimental photography.The Young Painter Award went to Johanna Saikkonen from Uniarts Helsinki for her powerful oil paintings.
Winning works will be exhibited in 2025 at the Art Academy of Latvia’s Art Space PILOT in Riga and the ArtDepoo Gallery in Tallinn, offering a wider audience the chance to experience the talent of these emerging artists.
A Rising Star: Estonian Artist Mara Kirchberg Wins Prestigious Nordic and Baltic Young Artist Award
NewsDirectory3.com had the pleasure of speaking with Andra Orn, founder of NOBA.ac, the platform behind the Nordic and Baltic Young Artist Awards, about the recent success of Estonian artist Mara Kirchberg.
NewsDirectory3.com: Mara Kirchberg’s win marks the first time an Estonian artist has claimed the Grand Prix since 2016. What does this mean for Estonian art on a broader scale?
Andra Orn: It’s splendid to see the Grand Prix return to Estonia. It’s a testament to the extraordinary talent within the Estonian art scene. Mara’s win, alongside Kirke Kuiv’s successes, highlights the strength and diversity of emerging Estonian artists.
NewsDirectory3.com: Kirchberg’s work explores the fragility of hybrid systems. Could you elaborate on what impressed the jury about her installation “Feeding a Leaky Skin”?
Andra Orn: The jury was captivated by the thought-provoking nature of Kirchberg’s work. “Feeding a Leaky Skin” transformed the gallery space,using filtration systems that referenced both the human body and the fragility of our environment. It’s topical, engaging, and truly unique.
NewsDirectory3.com: The Nordic and Baltic Young Artist Awards have grown considerably since their inception. What are your hopes for the future of the competition?
andra Orn: We hope to continue providing a platform for emerging artists from the Nordic and Baltic region. Our goal is to support and celebrate their talent, helping them connect with wider audiences and further their careers. The future is radiant for these young creatives.