An exhibition of Vive Toll’s enchanting graphic art – with the motifs of the works including international, situational, urbanistic as well as mythological scenes – is open on Haus Gallery’s personal exhibition floor. The exhibition pays homage to Vive Tolli’s 90th birthday.

The focus of the exhibition is the creative period stretching from the 1960s to the 1990s, with several of the completed works from that period having attained legendary status, and all of the works remaining timeless and elegantly compelling, even today. Vive Tolli’s style is considered to be poetic, which is also reflected at this exhibition, regardless of whether the topic is socialist realism in working life or during rest, St. John’s Day or a wedding day, rowanberry beaches or stone cities, a dreamlike life underwater or above. While the anniversary exhibition currently on display in the gallery of the National Library of Estonia is comprised, for the most part, of book illustrations and bookplates, Vive Tolli’s brilliant talent is on display at the Haus Gallery exhibition in modern form and large format.

Vive Tolli is the Grand Old Lady of graphic art in Estonia, an eye-catching graphic artist and teacher, whose stylised and nuance rich creations and technical skills in graphic art have influenced the development of the entirety of Estonia’s graphic arts. Her creations have spoken to people since the 1950s in a language of symbols that transcends the boundary of time. Technically perfect sheets are, on the one hand, incredibly artistic, and on the other hand, use meaningful motifs from folk art. Above all, she has delved into the interpretation of folklore and mythology; her ‘handwriting’ includes the stylisation and utilisation of ethnographic notes and patterns.

Vive Tolli (1928) began studying ceramics at the Tallinn State Institute of Applied Arts in 1947, later studying graphic art at the Estonian State Art Institute. She has worked as a freelance artist, book illustrator and teacher. She is an honorary member of the Finnish Kalevala Society Foundation. She is a recipient of the Kristjan Raud Art Award (1978), the Jaan Jensen Award (1985), the Wiiralt Award (1998), and recipient of the Republic of Estonia 75th anniversary medal of commendation (1993). This century she has been presented with the Order of the White Star, 3rd class (2001) and an award from the Estonian National Culture Foundation (2008).

In addition to the freshly framed works presented on the gallery walls there is also available a selection of unframed graphics in smaller formats - a good chance to make a meaningful present.