Anna Mari Liivrand Wins Köler Prize 2026, Presents 'Amid Bitter Flowers' in Tallinn
Anna Mari Liivrand has won the grand prize of the Köler Prize 2026, sharing the accolade with Hanna Samoson. This was announced at her solo show, 'Amid Bitter Flowers,' currently running at the Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM) in Tallinn until July 5, 2026. The exhibition features nominees for the Köler Prize. Liivrand’s installation combines materials like wrought iron, stained glass, and found objects, depicting a garden of toxic native Estonian plants thriving in a decayed setting. Ethereal images emerge from engraved glass panels, blending sacred and industrial themes reminiscent of ruins. Known for her diverse artistic techniques, Liivrand's work often reflects traditional printmaking and two-dimensional art. The exhibition was published by Catapult, an independent art platform in Vienna.
Key facts
- Anna Mari Liivrand co-won the Köler Prize 2026 grand prize with Hanna Samoson.
- The exhibition 'Amid Bitter Flowers' is on view at Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM) until 5 July 2026.
- The installation uses wrought iron, stained and found glass, solder, spray paint, coins, and buttons.
- The work features poisonous plants native to Estonia depicted as blooming simultaneously.
- Glass panels were sourced from churches, building sites, and urban debris.
- Engraved plant motifs on glass appear ghost-like against light.
- The installation evokes sacred and industrial architecture, ruins, and cemeteries.
- Liivrand's practice combines spatial installations, sculpture, stained glass, and drawing.
Entities
Artists
- Anna Mari Liivrand
- Hanna Samoson
- Mari-Leen Kiipli
Institutions
- Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia (EKKM)
- Köler Prize
- Kogo Gallery
- Catapult
Locations
- Tallinn
- Estonia
- Vienna
- Austria