Starting from this Thursday, people can visit the exhibition “Multiversum” which is created by the students of the Estonian Academy of Arts (EAA). The exhibition will be displayed in the atrium of Viru Keskus. Visitors can also get acquainted with the best designers of 2020 and their brands from the VIRUxEKA Design Export Program. The photo exhibition, created under the guidance of fashion artist Liisi Eesmaa and artist Flo Kasearu, shows the exotic world that grew out of recycled cardboard tubes, forming a universe of metamorphoses with the help of playful works.

Viru Keskus is hosting an exhibition of experimental forms for the second time. The cooperation with the fashion department of the Estonian Academy of Arts stemmed from the desire to support Estonian fashion education. And from the desire to bring the work of young Estonian fashion designers to a broader audience. The exhibition helps the visitors to travel between the universes, which seems to be an unattainable dream in the current difficult situation.

“During these difficult times of restrictions, people have limited opportunities to consume culture and art. All the more so, with Viru Keskus, we are pleased to offer, in addition to daily affairs in the shopping center, also the opportunity to experience art and leisure. We are especially pleased to be able to support EAA fashion students and show their interesting designs with strong export potential to a wider audience, ” said Kristel Sooaru, Marketing, and Communications Manager and Fashion Design Export Supporter at Viru Keskus.

Piret Puppart, the Head of the Fashion Design Department at EAA, is grateful for the cooperation: “Thanks to the support of Viru Keskus, the Faculty of Design of the Estonian Academy of Arts has been able to create a strong international network to support the students’ cross-border growth. Also, Viru Keskus is the most active surface for testing the water of its design ideas for students,” said Puppart.

Last year, the Viru x EAA Young Design Export Program was launched together with internationally experienced lecturers and experts, which helps to strengthen the export capacity of design. Under the supervision of the internationally renowned business mentor Sissi Silván, 11 students passed the program, four of whom were nominated for the Viru x EKA Design Export Award: Liis Kalda, Kirke Talu, Liis Kippar, and Anna Viik.

The winner of this year’s competition, Liis Kalda is engaged in the formation of headwear. As a pize, she received a € 1,000 scholarship and she is grateful for the recognition. “Receiving recognition shows that I am on the right track with my brand, and it is nice that the interest in sustainable and unique design is growing. I hope that all those interested in hats can come and see the products in Viru Keskus, and I look forward to the immediate feedback,” she said.

The opening of the exhibition will take place in the atrium of Viru Keskus on February 18th at 4pm. The exhibition will be open until February 28th, after which the photos will be available on the second floor of the center until April 30th. The brands of the four fashion students nominated for the award can be seen from the 18th to the 21st of February.

* Updated information: the exhibition will go on holiday from 27.02.2020 to come party back upon improval of virological situation.

Photos: Riina Varol