Arkadio Laigo 1901-1944 Puugravüüride mapp (Illustratsioonid P. Vallaku novellile "Epp Pillapardi Punjaba potitehas"). 1936

The most faithful follower of art deco in Estonia was Arkadio Laigo.Even the portfolios of very different graphical artists were quite popular prior to the World War II, Laigo’s illustrations of Peet Vallak’s short story were also remarkable due to the theme and literary sub-titles. Woodcut gives Laigo (similarily to Paul Liivak) the possibility to imitate square and archaic line. His woodcuts are not vane, they are industrious and serious. Naturally also the contents of the sheets correspond to the technique, concentrating on the depiction of the realistic side of Vallak’s short story. Still, Laigo is able to preserve the subtle boundary with harshness, also he is understanding and supporting in Paul Liivak-style. At the same time Laigo’s portfolio is obviously more retelling, allowing us to compile a short story of the everyday work and love of simple people even without reading it.