The Soviet Absurd: Estonian art of the 1960s against the backdrop of existentialism Cover Image

The Soviet Absurd: Estonian art of the 1960s against the backdrop of existentialism
The Soviet Absurd: Estonian art of the 1960s against the backdrop of existentialism

Author(s): Anu Allas
Subject(s): Fine Arts / Performing Arts
Published by: Eesti Kunstiteadlaste Ühing

Summary/Abstract: The article examines existentialism as one possible backdrop to Estonian art of the 1960s through three topics that emerged in art writing: the 'philosophical' nature of art, the question of 'artistic image' and the essence of man. Relying on a model created by Martin Esslin, existentialism and the perception of the absurd are partially differentiated. The article also points out the peculiarity of the perception of the absurd in the Cold War-era countries of the Eastern bloc, focusing on 'moderate modernism' ('rough style') and the impact of surrealism in Estonian painting and graphic art.

  • Issue Year: 19/2010
  • Issue No: 01+02
  • Page Range: 68-71
  • Page Count: 4
  • Language: English