TARRVI LAAMANN
Tarrvi Laamann (b. 1973) studied printmaking at the Estonian Academy
of Arts, graduated from the master’s program in 2000, and has been a member
of the Estonian Artists’ Association since 1994. Since September 1998,
Laamann has been known for organizing the Bashment events introducing
reggae culture on Estonian and foreign stages.
Tarrvi Laamann justifies the use of the woodcut technique as follows:
“You never know
what the result will be, because wood plays tricks like crazy. OK, if I
worked with a smooth oak board, the result would be more predictable.
But I work with plywood. This is what makes it interesting because
there are many elements – I have the feeling that I haven’t even made
it, but God or someone else has put stupid ideas into my head and then
the woodcut adds its own quirks. I like that. One can’t really control
it, just like life.”
Tarrvi Laamann’s pictures are influenced by reggae
and its homeland Estonia. Trips to the “colored worlds” have added
bright colors, smells, tastes, warmth, rhythms, and a feeling that you
are on vacation. All this radiance and colorfulness results in a beauty
that is more spiritual than decorative. Laamann’s works are positive and
happy; it’s his way of improving the world.
