On 22 October, the 8th Tallinn Illustration Triennial “The Power of Pictures” will open at the Estonian Museum of Architecture, bringing the work of acclaimed illustrators from around the world to Estonian audiences. The major survey exhibition, which takes place every three years, will remain open until 29 November 2026.
The Tallinn Illustration Triennial offers an opportunity to take a closer look at contemporary illustration art across different cultures and through the eyes of artists from diverse backgrounds. A total of 78 illustrators from Estonia and abroad are taking part. The exhibition features artists from Europe, North and South America, and Asia. It is intended for visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds, as illustration is an art form that can bring joy and recognition to a young child while at the same time revealing complex artistic and cultural layers to the experienced viewer.
According to triennial curator Viive Noor, the title “The Power of Pictures” has, in the context of this year’s exhibition, taken on a meaning that extends beyond illustration itself:
“Art truly has the power to cross borders and oceans, to ease differences, to teach understanding, and to awaken curiosity and love. In difficult and challenging times, illustration art offers peace and nourishment for the soul,” says Noor.
According to the curator, the international exhibition is a journey around the world of sorts, where distant cultures become more familiar through images. Different styles and artistic approaches demonstrate the diversity of illustration and show how the same art form can take on very different forms in different cultures.
“Illustration reflects the artist’s background and way of thinking, of course, if we know how to notice it. And if we do not, we can still enjoy the beauty of the work – and that is no small thing,” the curator adds.
Triin Soone, Director of the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, says:
“The world around us is becoming increasingly visual, and illustration is therefore playing an ever greater role and having an ever greater impact in literature as well. Graphic novels, comics and wordless picturebooks have found their place on our reading tables, and not only for children. Contemporary illustration tells stories, complements the text and creates new layers of meaning, reflecting a symbiosis of narrative and the artist’s imagination. In addition, images offer aesthetic and artistic pleasure and bring the book together as a whole. It is an enchanting world to step into.”
The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, curator-led tours and educational programmes.
Participating artists:
Sari Airola, Monica Barengo, Israel Barrón, Grahame Baker Smith, Ieva Babilaitė, Ali Boozari, Antonio Boffa, Iwona Chmielewska, Ronald Curchod, Sonja Danowski, Toni Demuro, Oksana Domashych, Katrin Ehrlich, Yael Frankel, Manon Gauthier, Alireza Goldouzian, Gosia Herba, László Herbszt, Hoda Hadadi, Martin Jarrie, Anu Kalm, Liisa Kallio, Kristi Kangilaski, Tiiu Kitsik, Tuulike Kivestu, Kadri-Maria Külaots, Kadi Kurema, Regina Lukk-Toompere, Rebeca Luciani, Sara Lundberg, Amanda Mijangos & Armando Fonseca, Anete Melece, Isol Misenta, Gundega Muzikante, Marjo Nygård, Julia Neuhaus, Viive Noor, Sirly Oder, Roger Olmos, Anna Paolini, Juan Palomino, Priit Pärn, Olga Pärn, Anne Pikkov, Karoliina Pertamo, Natalie Pudalov, Paweł Pawlak, Maja Radványi, Jane Ray, Priit Rea, Grażyna Rigall, Liis Roden, Kadri Roosi, Pamela Samel, Elena Selena, Natalia Shaloshvili, Kertu Sillaste, Glenda Sburelin, Grahame Baker Smith, Antonello Silverini, Marco Somà, Josep Antoni Tàssies, Mari Takács, Reda Tomingas, Paloma Valdivia, Urmas Viik, Issa Watanabe, Catherine Zarip, Zahars PurvišĶis.
The Tallinn Illustration Triennial exhibition is open from 22 October to 29 November at the Estonian Museum of Architecture, Ahtri 2, Tallinn.
The organisers are the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre, the Estonian Association of Graphic Designers and the National Library of Estonia. The Tallinn Illustration Triennial is supported by the Cultural Endowment of Estonia and the City of Tallinn.
Members of the press are warmly invited to the opening of the 8th Tallinn Illustration Triennial “The Power of Pictures” on 22 October at 4 pm at the Estonian Museum of Architecture, Ahtri 2.
Further information:
Viive Noor
Curator of the Tallinn Illustration Triennial
Estonian Association of Graphic Designers
viivenoor@gmail.com
+372 5557 9930
Triin Soone
Director, Estonian Children’s Literature Centre
triin.soone@elk.ee
+372 5919 0363
