Gatekeepers

------------

"I was driving to Keskturg and right before arriving there, two Hooded Crows flew towards each other, crossing right in the center of the road, forming a symmetrical gate-like pattern. I felt that I was welcomed."

“If you were a bird, then which one?”

Keskturg has been haunted by several dark events that took place during the 90s, including bomb explosions and gun violence. The main cause of these events was the conflict in which farmers attempted to sell cheaper goods and refused to pay protection money to racketeers of Keskturg, leading to numerous killings. According to the Police and the Border Guard Agency, one million kroons (Estonian currency at the time) of illicit funds passed through Keskturg each day, all of which were eventually laundered.

The exhibition “Gatekeepers” explores the inherent vulnerability and fragile nature of human beings. Human existence is closely connected to their interactions with others, they form complex social structures, ranging from families and communities to larger societies. When individuals exhibit territorial behavior, especially in the context of property and personal space, they are taught to secure resources, protect offspring, and ensure survival. However, certain aspects of territorial behavior can become problematic or potentially dangerous. The issue arises when individuals direct their attention towards a specific group or person. They develop an ideology centered on vilifying their opposition, employing words and actions to rally others to their cause. Eventually, they create a redoubtable collective force, surpassing the power of any single individual and attempting to take everything away from their opposition.

“Gatekeepers” deals with these topics by drawing parallels with archetypes, more precisely with birds and takes a playful approach with its anecdotal installations and paintings. The artist takes a step outside the classical canvas by painting bird droppings in public space, pushing boundaries between street art and painting.

Egert Tischler (1994) is a multidisciplinary artist who graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts painting BA and is currently doing his MA in Contemporary Art. His work has lately been site-specific and has evolved through mixing classical painting techniques and street art.

Guided Tour at 14:00 at Kesturg on November 24 2023. (Meet up behind the HANKÖÖK restaurant in Keskturg)