Raul Meel 1941 Copula 74. 1998

Raul Meel is a distinct chapter in Estonian art history, having diverged from the general traditions of local painting and carved out his own path. Instead of a subjective and expressive brushstroke, Meel’s style is precise and almost mechanical, often using brushes more akin to tools than traditional paintbrushes. Uniform, consistent strokes create rhythm, and his works largely stem from these visual rhythms. For this reason, he has not sought to bring a riot of color onto the canvas, but instead approaches painting in a minimalist way: black and white, and their alternation.

Copula is an extensive series in which the works are numbered. Several pieces from this series are part of the collection of the Art Museum of Estonia.