Translucent objects become metaphors for ambiguity at Tallinn’s Applied Art Triennial

This year’s edition of Tallinn’s Applied Art Triennial is bringing together work from 21 artists in Estonia and beyond to explore the concept of translucency.

Showcasing lace underwear, experimental chair design, digital art, and flour sculptures, the triennial, which has been running since 1997, forms a bridge between craft and conceptual works.

“As the theme suggests, the exhibition includes works that play with optic phenomenon but also those that look at translucency in the context of social behaviour, politics, and relationships,” says Merle Kasonen, the chairwoman of the triennial.

Indeed, while the show includes everyday objects such as furniture and clothing, the majority of works are artistic takes on the theme.“The phenomenon of translucency is about ambiguity, blurring, and diffusion, but also about the potential for something new to emerge from the saturated light,” says the show’s curator, Danish glass artist, and art historian Stine Bidstrup.