Shameless honesty with contemporary freshness and freedom from constraints – „NUDE” opening weekend
Autumn at Fotografiska began with a powerful start – on September 13th, the exhibition 'NUDE' opened its doors, showcasing the work of 32 female artists exploring the theme of the nude body. Among them are Estonian artists Cloe Jancis and Marlen Kärema.
Through various creative approaches, the exhibition breaks away from traditional depictions of the nude body, presenting it in all its shameless honesty and glory, with contemporary freshness and freedom from constraints, all seen through the female gaze. The result is an environment where expected roles no longer apply, habitual perspectives shift, and power hierarchies are overturned.
In conjunction with the exhibition's opening, several of the featured artists (Evelyn Bencicova, Angélica Dass, Julia SH, Cloe Jancis & Marlen Kärema) were in Tallinn. On September 12th, an Artist Talk was held, gaining insights into their thoughts and the stories behind their work. On September 14th, a special guided tour was held at the exhibition hall. The journey challenged stereotypes, valued diversity, and opened up new perspectives.
Let's now recap what happened during the opening weekend.
Artists who visited Tallinn
The exhibition features her audiovisual project "Æther," which is inspired by biblical stories such as Adam and Eve – they disobey, are punished, and their nudity suddenly becomes shameful. According to Evelyn, religion still influences our society and its values. The resulting shame extends beyond religion – why do we have to blur women's nipples on Instagram? Bencicova questions the oppressive manifestations of patriarchy throughout history and into the future, seeking ways to break free from them.
Humanæ is an unusually direct reflection on the colour of the skin, attempting to document humanity’s true colors rather than untrue labels such as “white”, “red”, “black” and “yellow”. It’s a project in constant evolution seeking to demonstrate that what defines the human being is its inescapably uniqueness and, therefore, its diversity. The background for each portrait is tinted with a colour tone identical to a sample of 11 x 11 pixels taken from the nose of the subject and matched with the industrial palette Pantone®, which, in its neutrality, calls into question the contradictions and stereotypes related to the race issue.
Does the amount of melatonin in your skin make you more or less human?
Cloe Jancis (One of the two Estonian artists in the exhibition)
In her recent works, Jancis has focused on objects and rituals associated with femininity. The video installation titled “Befitting Flesh” delves into the world of nude objects that dominate today’s makeup and fashion industries — items crafted to seamlessly match skin tones, enhance specific body features, and conceal perceived flaws. The artist is interested in how objects meant to blend with the body and remain invisible instead become amplified as an artificial shell, subjecting the body to their control.
"I have been a dancer – leotards and tights have been my faithful companions. The idea that you always have to put on some layer to be presentable fascinates me" – Cloe Jancis.
Marlen Kärema (One of the two Estonian artists in the exhibition)
As a delicate observer of the intimate, the photographer has captured genuine and tender moments that usually remain hidden within the walls of the home. The entwined naked bodies are vulnerable yet liberating, creating a connection without barriers, showing trusting togetherness, and redefining roles.
Kärema notices and appreciates the everyday activities of a family and the charm of ordinary life. It is these moments that nourish memories and will emerge years later as mental images.
Sculptural forms, desexualisation, and a soothing feeling of home – Julia SH's work is based on the human body in all its variations, especially the female form. The largest bodies in the room are often the most invisible.
Instead of body positivity, we should focus on body neutrality to accept our bodies as they are. All bodies are beautiful. Why are we so harsh on ourselves?
The exhibition opening events
Special event "Know the words!" for teachers. In collaboration with Feministeerium.
In addition to female identity, the exhibition brings together all kinds of bodies and gender identities from across the broad spectrum of society and its fringes. Voices from sex workers, BDSM practitioners, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are also represented.
What does it mean to be queer? What is transphobia? Who is cis? Nele Laos, co-founder of Feministeerium, gave an overview of modern terminology and introduced the abundant beauty within society.
Watch the full speech of Nele Laos:
Artist Talk & BFM performance
At the opening night of "NUDE" on September 12 at 7 PM, attendees could listen to a lively conversation by Aleksander Eeri Laupmaa with several artists participating in the exhibition: Angélica Dass, Julia SH, Evelyn Bencicova, and Cloe Jancis took part in the discussion.
The discussion was preceded by an audiovisual performance titled "Under the Skin," inspired by the "NUDE" exhibition (concept and direction by Oksana Tralla; choreography and performance by 3rd-year students of BFM's choreography program; music by 2nd-year students of BFM's integrated arts, music, and multimedia program, under the guidance of Taavi Tuisk).
Owners of the Fotografiska "Patron" membership were treated to a glass of Gran Reserva Cava inspired by the 'NUDE' exhibition. This bold, aperitif-style wine has a harmonious balance of vibrant acidity and rich, toasty flavours. After 30 months of aging, the wine has become both rich and delicately subtle—a fascinating experience, full of discovery, much like every story told by the human body.
Now available at the museum store.
The Artist Talk created an environment where conventional roles no longer applied, habitual perspectives were shifted, and power hierarchies were overturned. Look at the full video:
Guided tour with artists
During the special exhibition tour, artists Evelyn Bencicova, Julia SH, Cloe Jancis, and Marlen Kärema revealed the behind-the-scenes of their creative world and discuss topics such as consent, safety, and equal opportunities. The artists were hosted by the brilliant and insightful Fotografiska guide Elo Aun.
