Annual exhibition of the Estonian Glass artists’ Union
\nAugust 8 – September 18, 2005<\/p>\n
Curators: Kati Kerstna, Maret Sarapu
\nLocation: St. John’s Hospital ruins, Tartu mnt. … Tallinn<\/p>\n
The title “Broken Things” is not meant to refer to cups without ears, nor shattered windows; rather, it aims to draw attention to the ailments of the world, of society and of the individual – be it holes in the ozone layer, drug addiction or anything that’s unwhole, unsound, unhealthy.<\/p>\n
Each of us has had different problems, painful experiences, “broken things” at different stages of one’s life. Cracks may appear in memories or fantasies, in bones or souls.<\/p>\n
The nature of “brokenness” depends on the modes and causes of breaking – time, life, violence, accident, society, environment, lack of attention or caring, … thus the different terms we apply to a broken thing: martyre, victim, trash, junk etc. In a way, the terms also reflect their user.<\/p>\n
A broken thing can still have value: whether aesthetic qualities, human experience, point of comparison or other. And – most of all – a potential of repair. A mended thing can be treasured more than the one that never got broken – just like a returning lost son is dearer than the one who stayed home.<\/p>\n
All these – and more – are ideas we call the participants to reflect on in their works. A critical, sarcastic or pessimistic point of view can exist alongside with humour and good will; proposals for mending what’s broken are welcomed.<\/p>\n
The fragile character of glass, in itself, sounds like a literal reflection of the theme: broken things – broken glass; but perhaps there are less obvious ways to utilize the material.<\/p>\n
The site of the exhibition – the recently unearthed ruins of St.John’s Hospital – used to be a refuge for poor lepers; the breakthrough of a new highway was altered because of the find. Now covered with a glass roof, it is one of Tallinn’s newest landmarks. Another example of a mended broken thing.<\/p>\n