In the 1980's and the beginning of the 90's, Peep would sell his abstract ink paintings. In 2020, he has once again decided to publish his work. This time, it is digital graphic art – the genre that he has, following the rapid evolution of the personal computer, practised the most. What are Peep's roots and his future plans as an artist? We have interviewed the man himself to find out.
Peep, have you, during your career, belonged to any certain school of artists, or been closely involved with another artist?
In the second half of the 80's, together with other young artists with the same Academy of Arts background, we had an enjoyable little society in Tartu, which arranged several group exhibitions under the name "Provintsart". On one occasion, we were selected as representatives of the city of Tartu at culture days in Kaunas, Lithuania. We all shared a common "applied arts" background, and, as a group, we all complemented each other in a way.
Besides Kaunas, where have your works been displayed?
I have taken part in group exhibitions in Seattle and Munich – in addition to Tallinn and Tartu.
But which artists/movements have influenced you the most? And which periods?
Evidently, my objects of fascination have been varied during the course of life. In any case, it is nice when art can initiate a chain reaction that will take the beholder on a little ride on the unknown paths.
Are there any special artworks to which you return time and again, to enjoy these anew?
For me, there is the greatest number of specific pieces that captivate me, time after time, in music. Progressive rock from the beginning of the 70's, for instance, contains a lot to feed my imagination to this day.
Looking at your artworks created in the 21st century, under which style could these be categorised?
The given works can be classified as Abstract art, broadly speaking. I just take pleasure in seeing my pictures as windows into other worlds.
Whence do you get the main inspiration for your pieces?
In the course of creative work, you may find yourself in a state that may perhaps be called inspiration. You get excited, or have a sort of a "Heureka!" feeling, when you notice that the parts are becoming a whole – one that can even surprise yourself. I dare think that it is the same as what is experienced by improvising musicians. I listen to quite a lot of music myself, and can assure you that the world of sounds can unleash one's creative impulses.
Do you have any special rituals for creative work?
I try to concentrate when working, but that is not much of a ritual.
Returning to the topic of the other worlds created by art, which you mentioned – have you had any unearthly or supernatural experiences when working, something that you could share with the audience?
Yes, there have been visions, moments of recognising something inexplicable, moments in which all seems to make sense. In retrospect, it is hard to explain these things using common sense. You just run short of words and metaphors. I think we could get some answers if we studied the heritage of the ancient cultures. In Buddhist thangkas and in the Medieval sacral art, there is information being passed on that can be interpreted as a cosmic metaphoric language. If we had the knowledge to understand the data stored therein, it would be possible for us to extend our boundaries. Personally, I feel too humble and small to have a deeper understanding of all that.
If we contemplate the relationship between the creation and the world that surrounds it, do you see fields in our society where there should be more art? Have you dedicated any works to politics, or tried to solve social issues through art?
I probably sound idealistic but if the members of the society would practise more introspection, for which art is a great means, there would perhaps be fewer mental health issues, it would be harder to manipulate people, and the polarisation of the society would not take such acute forms.
Creating a harmonious, balanced, aesthetically pleasing living environment, or at least striving towards this goal, is one way how the arts professionals can help mend the society. Political agitation, propaganda – these are a specific kind of art – but have these ever made the world a better place?
Every year, you visit several exhibitions in KUMU and in smaller galleries across Estonia. What do you value in contemporary art? What do you look for in art exhibits?
I value the artist’s efforts. Contemporary art is often centered around the current topics. These exhibitions keep me in touch with the latest trends and with the modern way of life. I also try to guess what kind of experience the audience will get out of the same artworks in 50, 200, 500... years' time.
Do you have any favourite artists these days – from Estonia or abroad? Which media do you use for information on your next art events?
It seems I have reached a point where nature itself has become my favourite artist - both the visible and the side invisible to the bare eye (e.g. the microscopic world and the cosmos).
Information on art events I find from the internet.
What kind of art do you / would you buy for your own home? Why?
In our family, artworks have been brought back from our travels. On one hand, these are memorabilia, and on the other, these make up a collection of pieces loaded with positive energy, which helps create a sense of wellbeing at home. The goal is to create a harmonious living environment.
As you have also been a teacher of Principles of Design, let us give some helpful tips here. What are some of the most suitable spaces / interior styles for your artworks?
My pictures are not all the same, nor is the effect they will have in different spaces. My most basic advice when choosing a picture would be to think about whether or not its details and colouring complement your space, or help accentuate something in it – or just open a window into another world.
Is there something that is guaranteed to be incompatible with your works?
A 100% incompatibility can be highly meaningful if you use it to make a statement. It could be worth trying!
Great! While we wait for a pioneer who will, and to conclude, what would be your wish for the world in 2021?
I wish the world would still stay in one piece for a while.
In the second half of the 80's, together with other young artists with the same Academy of Arts background, we had an enjoyable little society in Tartu, which arranged several group exhibitions under the name "Provintsart". On one occasion, we were selected as representatives of the city of Tartu at culture days in Kaunas, Lithuania. We all shared a common "applied arts" background, and, as a group, we all complemented each other in a way.
Besides Kaunas, where have your works been displayed?
I have taken part in group exhibitions in Seattle and Munich – in addition to Tallinn and Tartu.
But which artists/movements have influenced you the most? And which periods?
Evidently, my objects of fascination have been varied during the course of life. In any case, it is nice when art can initiate a chain reaction that will take the beholder on a little ride on the unknown paths.
Are there any special artworks to which you return time and again, to enjoy these anew?
For me, there is the greatest number of specific pieces that captivate me, time after time, in music. Progressive rock from the beginning of the 70's, for instance, contains a lot to feed my imagination to this day.
Looking at your artworks created in the 21st century, under which style could these be categorised?
The given works can be classified as Abstract art, broadly speaking. I just take pleasure in seeing my pictures as windows into other worlds.
Whence do you get the main inspiration for your pieces?
In the course of creative work, you may find yourself in a state that may perhaps be called inspiration. You get excited, or have a sort of a "Heureka!" feeling, when you notice that the parts are becoming a whole – one that can even surprise yourself. I dare think that it is the same as what is experienced by improvising musicians. I listen to quite a lot of music myself, and can assure you that the world of sounds can unleash one's creative impulses.
Do you have any special rituals for creative work?
I try to concentrate when working, but that is not much of a ritual.
Returning to the topic of the other worlds created by art, which you mentioned – have you had any unearthly or supernatural experiences when working, something that you could share with the audience?
Yes, there have been visions, moments of recognising something inexplicable, moments in which all seems to make sense. In retrospect, it is hard to explain these things using common sense. You just run short of words and metaphors. I think we could get some answers if we studied the heritage of the ancient cultures. In Buddhist thangkas and in the Medieval sacral art, there is information being passed on that can be interpreted as a cosmic metaphoric language. If we had the knowledge to understand the data stored therein, it would be possible for us to extend our boundaries. Personally, I feel too humble and small to have a deeper understanding of all that.
If we contemplate the relationship between the creation and the world that surrounds it, do you see fields in our society where there should be more art? Have you dedicated any works to politics, or tried to solve social issues through art?
I probably sound idealistic but if the members of the society would practise more introspection, for which art is a great means, there would perhaps be fewer mental health issues, it would be harder to manipulate people, and the polarisation of the society would not take such acute forms.
Creating a harmonious, balanced, aesthetically pleasing living environment, or at least striving towards this goal, is one way how the arts professionals can help mend the society. Political agitation, propaganda – these are a specific kind of art – but have these ever made the world a better place?
Every year, you visit several exhibitions in KUMU and in smaller galleries across Estonia. What do you value in contemporary art? What do you look for in art exhibits?
I value the artist’s efforts. Contemporary art is often centered around the current topics. These exhibitions keep me in touch with the latest trends and with the modern way of life. I also try to guess what kind of experience the audience will get out of the same artworks in 50, 200, 500... years' time.
Do you have any favourite artists these days – from Estonia or abroad? Which media do you use for information on your next art events?
It seems I have reached a point where nature itself has become my favourite artist - both the visible and the side invisible to the bare eye (e.g. the microscopic world and the cosmos).
Information on art events I find from the internet.
What kind of art do you / would you buy for your own home? Why?
In our family, artworks have been brought back from our travels. On one hand, these are memorabilia, and on the other, these make up a collection of pieces loaded with positive energy, which helps create a sense of wellbeing at home. The goal is to create a harmonious living environment.
As you have also been a teacher of Principles of Design, let us give some helpful tips here. What are some of the most suitable spaces / interior styles for your artworks?
My pictures are not all the same, nor is the effect they will have in different spaces. My most basic advice when choosing a picture would be to think about whether or not its details and colouring complement your space, or help accentuate something in it – or just open a window into another world.
Is there something that is guaranteed to be incompatible with your works?
A 100% incompatibility can be highly meaningful if you use it to make a statement. It could be worth trying!
Great! While we wait for a pioneer who will, and to conclude, what would be your wish for the world in 2021?
I wish the world would still stay in one piece for a while.
Interviewed and translated by K.-T. Tammepuu