Kumu hits. Contemporary art from the EKM collection

The exhibition and the catalogue “Kumu hits. Contemporary Art from the Collection of the Art Museum of Estonia” are based solely on works that belong to the museum (exhibition at Kumu Art Museum 08.04.–28.08.2016). The exhibition serves many purposes, and attempts to fulfil several tasks in cooperation with the viewer. Firstly, by mapping the contemporary art acquisitions made by the Art Museum of Estonia, the exhibition assumes the role of a guide, leading the viewer to processes and movements in the world of art that are often ambiguous. The acquisitions made by the museum reflect the dynamics of developments in art: the explosive increase in the use of new media and quiet periods of low tide, changes in trends, big hopes and vivid first appearances. By displaying works that have reached the “terminal station” of the art scene – the museum – the exhibition presents an overview of developments on the local art scene in the last few decades. Secondly, the viewer may look at the exhibition as an alternative exposition of Estonian contemporary art, and contemplate the choices the curators have made. Thirdly, with the help of the word “hit”, the exhibition serves as a mediator between art and the audience; the display includes contemporary classics, as well as a selection of less known works, and viewers are encouraged to become involved in making a selection of their own.