The Tallinn exhibition, 'Something That Should Be Felt', is a captivating exploration of memory, touch, and the human connection to images. This Finnish-Estonian collaboration between Hilla Kurki and Taavi Rekkaro delves into the profound ways we relate to our past, our surroundings, and each other. It's a thought-provoking journey that challenges our understanding of photography and the very essence of presence.
A Living Archive and the Power of Touch
Hilla Kurki's 'Clay Diaries' series is a testament to the artist's deep connection to her family history. By inviting fellow artists to her great-grandparents' house, she creates a unique living archive. This approach goes beyond the traditional, focusing on the shared moments and the friendships formed during these visits. The series explores the idea of tradition and heritage in a dynamic, ever-changing light, as the plants and people in her photographs seem to transcend time.
What makes Kurki's work particularly intriguing is her questioning of the certainty of memory. She poses the question: 'How can we be sure these moments really happened?' This is a powerful reminder of the fallibility of our recollections and the importance of tangible experiences in shaping our sense of reality.
Rekkaro's Reimagined Photography
Taavi Rekkaro's work takes a different approach to photography, treating it as something to be touched and experienced. His photographs capture fleeting moments, inner uncertainties, and the complexities of self-perception and relationships. The gallery wall, featuring a melting moment composed of works from 2023, encourages viewers to slow down and engage with the art on a deeper level, allowing for personal narratives to unfold.
Rekkaro's exploration of the connections between memory, the body, and self-perception is a thought-provoking aspect of the exhibition. He invites us to question: 'How can we be sure that we were truly there, that these moments really happened?' This is a profound reflection on the reliability of our memories and the impact of sensory experiences on our perception of the world.
A Must-See Exhibition
'Something That Should Be Felt' is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art, photography, and the human condition. It offers a unique perspective on how we interpret and interact with our surroundings, challenging the traditional boundaries of art and photography. The exhibition's exploration of memory and touch is a powerful reminder of the importance of sensory experiences in our lives and the ways they shape our understanding of the world.
As the exhibition remains open at Foku Gallery through September 26, it provides a timely opportunity to immerse yourself in this captivating and thought-provoking journey. Don't miss the chance to explore the depths of human connection and the power of sensory experiences in art.
