It is so good to be here.
Despite all the horror we have recently witnessed, it is gratifying to see one of the brightest side of mankind. To see creativity, sensemaking and mastery. To see empathy, vertical dimension and love. To see that there is still something sacred, there is still somebody seeking the truth and somewhere there are still real values. That next to our everyday lives towers eternity. That humanity has still hope.
This time Biennale is extraordinary for Estonia – exactly
25 years ago it was the first time to create our national pavilion here. 50 years ago it was the first time for our artists to be present at the Biennale, even though not officially, as citizens of occupied country. In addition to, it is the third time when Estonian artist is in the selection of the International Art Exhibition. For the first time we can exhibit our art in the historical Rietveld pavilion building in the heart of Giardini. We highly appreciate this Dutch hospitality.
It is noteworthy, that in this year`s International Art Exhibition 90% of artists are women, our wonderful sculptor and installation artist Anu Põder among others.
Also the curator of our national pavilion Corina L Apostel and artists Kristina Norman and Bita Razavi are great examples of women power in art. Furthermore, the starting point of the exhibition's idea is the research material about the Estonian artist Emilie Rosalie Saal, who painted tropical plants in Indonesia. Saal's paintings were highly valued by many, among others, the scientists at the Royal Botanic Gardens in the Netherlands. In the crises and critical moments women are acting and sensing the world differently: more sensitively, more down-to-earth, more eternally. We need that kind of perspective especially in these days a lot.
Since 24 February the world has been witnessing insane evil and cruelty against innocent people, including millions of children and women in Ukraine. Today it is our obligation to support those girls, women, mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunts. Art is also a powerful tool against the violence, aggression and human sufferings. For example, we have lately seen in the Baltics several anti-war protest happenings and performance art actions led by women. I would not underestimate their weigh in amplifying the message of cruelty, evilness and horror.
Ladies and gentlemen,
When the Biennale was born in 1895 thanks to the mayor of Venice who saw the opportunity of rebuilding Venice in the communication and connection between international poets and artists, then only under this kind of mayor’s guidance I would like to live. Art and culture guide us to the fundamental questions of life and creative solutions. Art and culture grow empathy and compassion and make the world a better place.
It is so good to be here.
Thank you.
