Tallinn exhibition examines nationalism and belonging through contemporary art

The exhibition 'The State is not a Work of Art' at Tallinn Art Hall explores nationhood, nationalism, and questions of belonging through contemporary artworks. Curated by Katerina Gregos, the show features works by multiple artists addressing immigration, national identity, and political tensions. Thomas Kilpper's 'Burnout' (2016–17) depicts arson attacks on asylum seeker housing. Daniela Ortiz presents 'ABC of Racist Europe' (2017), a series of 26 collages critiquing European migration policies. Loulou Cherinet's video 'Statecraft' (2017) features Swedish citizens discussing concepts of insidership and outsidership. Jonas Staal's 'New Unions' conferences document transnational solidarity discussions among independence movements. Cristina Lucas's 'Vexillology' (2015) displays 211 photographs of football fans in national colors. Jaanus Samma investigates Estonian folk culture lost during Soviet occupation through traditional straw costumes. Szabolcs KissPál's 'From Fake Mountains to Faith' (Hungarian Triology) (2016) examines Hungarian nationalist folklore. The exhibition runs from 16 February to 29 April 2018, coinciding with Estonia's centenary. The show's title references art historian Jacob Burckhardt's maxim about the state. Works address both positive expressions of national identity and toxic nationalism. The exhibition was reviewed in the April 2018 issue of ArtReview.