Annual exhibition of the Estonian Glass Artists’ UnionBABEL

Annual exhibition of the Estonian Glass Artists’ Union
BABEL
Rakvere Castle, June 27- September 10, 2026
Opening June 26, 4pm

The Estonian Glass artists’ Union welcomes you at our traditional yearly exhibition. This summer, we bring our works to the medieval castle of Rakvere, under the title BABEL.

The Confusion of Babel is a metaphor for a situation where there is a break in communication and the meaning goes missing. We might be deaf to overused expressions, or conversely, statements that appear too radical fail to pass the recipient’s mental walls; something might get lost in translation, or acquire a meaning not originally intended. All this could result in conflict, but chaos can also bring about creation.

Can an artist take on the role of interpreter? Someone educated in the liberal arts knows their way around a Babel of languages, can express their thoughts intelligibly, yet uniquely; straddle the balance of familiarity and curiosity; tell real dangers from imaginary ones. As artists, however, we rely not on words, but visual images and metaphors – ideally, ones speaking for themselves without needing an explanation. Through conflict or cooperation with matter, miracles sometimes happen – we don’t take this for granted, but leave the door open for the possibility.

The curators hope to bring you a display of powerful, utopian energy. We endeavor to accommodate exclamations in any language imaginable.

Rakvere – a Kreis-town (or crazy town?) – has become known as a place for experimentation and bold new ideas. The city lends its rebellious spirit to our exhibition: the plurality of styles and handwritings is our strength, a source of chaos and creativity.

Participants: Sofi Aršas, Piret Ellamaa, Riho Hütt, Elle Kannike, Erki Kannus, Merle Kannus, Malle Karik-Hallimäe, Kati Kerstna, Kai Kiudsoo-Värv, Eve Koha, Sigrid Luitsalu, Kairi Orgusaar, Heli Press, Rait Prääts, Kateriin Rikken, Mare Saare, Tiina Sarapu, Kalli Sein, Caspar Sild, Eili Soon, stuudio Kollektiir (Mari UIbo, Rait Lõhmus), Agnes Torm, Piret Uibotalu, Kaie Vakepea, Kersti Vaks.

Curators: Riho Hütt, Merle Kannus
Exhibition Design: Caspar Sild
Lighting Design: Kati Kerstna
Sound Design: Henri Hütt

Thank you: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Rakvere castle (Virumaa Museums), Rakvere Cultural Centre.