Book charts 25 years of Toomas Kuusing’s art

A new book brings together 25 years of work by Estonian painter and graphic artist Toomas Kuusing, ERR reported. “Ordinary People. Ordinary Worlds” was presented at the Võrumaa Museum.

The more than 200-page volume surveys different periods in Kuusing’s career. His detailed, distinctive work combines humour and grotesque elements with deep empathy for people.

Kuusing told ERR’s “Aktuaalne kaamera” that his most productive years were probably between 2005 and 2009. Looking back through the book, he said, he was surprised by how much he had managed to produce during some periods.

The book’s introduction includes interpretations of his work by art scholars and writers. Editor Kadri Asmer said Kuusing does not readily explain the background to his works, leaving considerable freedom for art scholars and viewers to interpret them.

The paintings and linocut prints depict people among their everyday habits, rituals and social roles. Designer Peeter Laurits said Kuusing approaches human society from a perspective that is unusual among artists in Estonia.