Disturbances in the Memory Space

Oil Paintings 2016

This is a series done for my master’s thesis named “Disturbances in the Memory Space”. The paintings depict local cityscapes in which the geometry has been shifted to appear both familiar and disturbingly unrecognizable. I twist the locations around their vertical axis and merge them into non-existing and impossible panoramas. Painting “Space III” is an exception in this case and features a single panorama created by merging two different cities.

The series is inspired by Kafka’s writing which often uses non-Euclidean spatial geometry to break down structural hierarchies and evoke repressive feelings. The works are highly site-specific and work best when the viewer recognizes the depicted spaces, yet notices that something is amiss.

Space I 2016, oil and acrylics on three canvases, 150 x 300cm | 59 x 118 in

Space II 2016, oil and acrylics on canvas, 150 x 225cm | 59 x 89 in

Space III 2016, oil and acrylics on two canvases, 150 x 300cm | 59 x 118 in

Space IV 2016, acrylics on canvas, 150 x 225cm | 59 x 89 in

Space V 2016, oil and acrylics on canvas, 150 x 225cm | 59 x 89 in

The series was exhibited at Estonian Academy of Arts’ graduation show TASE ’16:

Installation at TASE ’16

Installation at TASE ’16 photo by Johan Henrik Pajupuu