Valerian Loik 1904–1986 Toompea. 1970

Bottom right: Loik

On the base frame: Valerian Loik Toompea

Valerian Loik was one of those artists who, in the shadow of the avant-garde of the 1970s, unwaveringly continued with his ideals and desires. His style of painting did not allow itself to be swayed by the eras: he liked bright, strong, decorative colors. In his choice of motifs, he again approached the old town and the steep slope of Toompea, thus combining nature (the green hillside) and architecture (the buildings on the hill). At the same time, his brushwork is free, light, improvising - it is very likely that he painted in the open air while looking at this view. A bit surprising, but also showing the artist's freedom, is the placement of the church tower in the heart of the picture: as if permission was not given, the artist simply took it.