Fotografiska Tallinn, inspired by the Stockholm-based internationally renowned cultural place for the world’s best photography, has opened in the Estonian capital with exhibits by four distinguished photographers, including the globally successful Jimmy Nelson.
The privately-owned photographic art centre, Fotografiska Tallinn, including an exhibitions and events area, a café, restaurant, and photography art and gift shop, opened its doors in late June in the Estonian capital’s Telliskivi Creative City – the “hippiest” place in town.
The centre is the brainchild of Maarja Loorents, who got inspired after visiting the original Fotografiska in Sweden. “The idea to bring world-class photography to Tallinn came to me in 2012, when I first visited Fotografiska in Stockholm. It was love at first sight,” she said in a statement. “Now, several years later, to our great surprise, Margit Aasmäe, Rain Tamm, Peeter Pihel (the other cofounders – editor) and I have come so far as to actually realise one of our great dreams.”
Tallinn became the first place outside Stockholm where Fotografiska expanded to – ahead of New York and London in 2020.
Playing an active role in society
With a vast network of world-class photographers at the core, Fotografiska Stockholm has, since its establishment in 2010, hosted more than 190 exhibitions, including the work of iconic masters such as Annie Leibovitz, David La Chapelle, Irving Penn, Helmut Newton, Sarah Moon, Nick Brandt and Andres Serrano, as well as up-and-coming young photographers.
By taking a stand in controversial issues and stretching their responsibility far beyond the realm of traditional art institutions, Fotografiska has a history of acting as an influencer, playing an active role in the society; the Estonian founders say the same is aimed for in the Tallinn space.
Fotografiska Tallinn opened its doors with four exhibitions: Jimmy Nelson’s “Homage to humanity” (UK), Anja Niemi’s “In Character” (Norway), Pentti Sammallahti’s “Distant Land” (Finland), and Anna-Stina Treumund’s “Lilli, Reed, Frieda, Sabine, Eha, Malle, Alfred, Rein and Mari” (Estonia).
The authors were selected based on the principle that they complement each other and provide an integral feeling, at the same time offering the visitors different experiences, the art centre said.
Jimmy Nelson’s “Homage to humanity”
Anja Niemi’s “In Character”
Pentti Sammallahti’s “Distant Land”
Anna-Stina Treumund’s “Lilli, Reed, Frieda, Sabine, Eha, Malle, Alfred, Rein and Mari”
Cover: Fotografiska Tallinn in Telliskivi Creative City. Images courtesy of Fotografiska Tallinn.
