Blog — ArtReview

Have you ever felt like you were ready for the best time of your life, but then – BAM! – you pull the rug out from under yourself? Yep. Welcome to my world – a tour on the self-sabotage express, with the final stop being "How did I end up here again?" My life story? Rich. Not in euros, but in high-class self-destructive decisions. I remember promising as a teenager that I wouldn’t repeat the same tragic mistakes that broken women in my family line seemed to pass on like a legacy. Spoiler alert: I repeated them. All of them....

Have you ever felt that the art world is like an exclusive club, where a gatekeeper with glasses and a short fringe stands at the door, and if you don't use words like "deconstruction," "transgression," or "posthumanism" in the right sentences, you won’t be let in? This club is not for me. I've never felt the need to belong anywhere. Not that I was ever warmly invited in the first place. Art as merchandise and art in a museum? Yep, both. I am an artist, and yes, I love making money. A lot of money. And create great art while...

Katrin Valgemäe, an artist deeply inspired by the world around her, shares insights into her work and creative process. From her “Queens of Chaos” exhibition in Helsinki to her influence on interior design, Valgemäe discusses how her art explores identity, the human condition, and societal reflections through bold, colorful, and sometimes sarcastic expressions. She also reveals how her work transcends canvases, appearing on various products like aprons and potholders. Valgemäe’s artistry blends pop culture, kitsch, and a sharp wit, encouraging viewers to rethink their perceptions of art and life.

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.

In “16 Round Princesses,” artist Katrin Valgemäe reflects on her life and legacy through self-portraiture and humor. The series addresses the generational experiences of women in her family—her grandmother, mother, and daughter—confronting the ideals of femininity, love, and the fairy-tale dream of eternal happiness. Valgemäe uses humor and irony to explore the gap between childhood fantasies and the realities of adult life. This series ultimately questions the societal expectations of women and the pursuit of perfection.