Artist Maria Kapajeva exhibition explores societal pressures woman face
An exhibition by artist Maria Kapajeva entitled "Kui maailm õhku lendab, loodan lahkuda tantsides" ("When the world explodes, I wish to leave by dancing"), opened at the Kunstihoone gallery in central Tallinn on September 17. Kapajeva observes the issue social pressures on women via her work, and looks for solutions on how to oppose these.
"The exhibition's focus is on the expectations which society puts on women and the social invisibility that can come after turning 40," Kapajeva said, adding that if a woman has to decide something on her life which does not match with social expectations of her role in the society, she can often be considered selfish.
"In the worst cases, women can become victims of a witch hunt, and so I want to offer visitors a chance to think along with me on these topics, through my new creations."
Curator Siim Preiman said that as an artist, Kapajeva has been continuously dealing with the topic of women's societal roles. "Kapajeva's exhibition is a necessary and well-considered response to those who think that an individual's body doesn't belong to them, but to the broader public."
Kapajeva acquired her bachelor's degree in photography at the University for the Creative Arts in Farnham, England, and her master's degree at Westminster University in London.
Her most recent exhibitions have been in places as diverse as Copenhagen, Narva and New Zealand.
The exhibition is open until November 8.
Kapajeva's website is here; the Kunstihoone gallery's is here.
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Editor: Roberta Vaino, Andrew Whyte
