Blog — artcurator

The History of Ceramics – From Underglaze Painting on Porcelain to Contemporary Ceramic Art Ceramics is one of the oldest art forms in human history. Since prehistoric times, clay has been shaped into functional vessels and ritual objects. Early ceramic artifacts have been discovered in regions such as Mesopotamia and China, where kiln technology developed rapidly and pottery evolved from utility into artistic expression. In Ancient Greece, painted pottery reached remarkable refinement. Workshops in Athens became famous for black-figure and red-figure vase painting, where mythological narratives and scenes of daily life were rendered with technical precision. These vessels were not...

Figurative Art in Art History – The Power of the Human Figure from Antiquity to Contemporary Art Figurative art has been one of the most enduring and powerful forms of artistic expression throughout history. The depiction of the human figure has never been merely about representing the body – it has always carried meanings of power, identity, beauty, vulnerability, and social commentary. Already in Ancient Greece, sculptors such as Phidias and Polykleitos created idealized human forms based on harmonious proportions, shaping Western art for centuries. Roman realism later introduced psychological intensity into portraiture, emphasizing individuality over perfection. During the Renaissance,...

1. How do social media and art relate for you today? How do you use social media in connection with your artistic practice? With whom (in terms of gender or profession) do you engage in commenting/discussion/liking on your FB wall? KATRIN VALGEMÄE:I use social media to the maximum – it is the contemporary artist’s gallery and press office in one, a place where you can go straight for the public’s nerve. I post my art and products, but also the work-in-progress and sometimes fragments of my life. I use paid promotion, through which I sell and build my audience internationally....

In “Femme Fiasco,” an electrifying series of paintings, bold colors and exaggerated expressions fuse with humor to explore the union of women and animals as a reflection of nature and social identity. The series embraces the complexities and flaws often seen as “fiascos,” turning them into a celebration of nature’s force and unique value. This work invites viewers on a journey of self-reflection and the exploration of identity.

In this interview, Tallinn-based artist Katrin Valgemäe shares insights on her creative journey, the inspiration behind her exhibition “Queens of Chaos,” and the influence of the 90s in shaping her work. Valgemäe discusses the playful irony in her paintings, her reflections on consumerism, and the power of breaking free from societal norms. She also touches on her childhood, the influence of Finnish TV, and her rebellious attitude towards artistic expression.