Robin Nõgisto. Picture People

Just as the giant lizard in Robin Nõgisto’s painting and the tiny green dinosaur on the screen of a computer disconnected from Internet know that they belong together, Robin himself is convinced that “the world I paint does indeed exist somewhere.”

Robin Nõgisto’s exhibition Picture People features three large two-part paintings, four film and music videos, as well as a few other artworks. The artist features visionary worlds full of vibrant characters, connected by an absence of hierarchies, a strange reality and a passion for life. Canvas after canvas, cats, dogs, lizards, hipsters, skeletons, and aliens appear in various, always striking constellations. Their potential connection to the planet Earth is evidenced by houses, hearts, rainbows, and the sweet fruits of nature sprinkled here and there.

This commotion is not easy to describe. It invites the visitor to a noisy, frantic dance of life, laughing at the seriousness of everyday efforts, and unceasingly confirming that everything is possible.

“Robin’s works do not choose their company; they extend children’s dreams and give vision back to the elderly half-blind. They prefer people from the street and rock music fans to the high art and music lovers with refined taste. Quite seriously: popular culture speaks for itself!” Tamara Luuk, the curator of the exhibition says.

The exhibition Picture People opens in Tallinn City Gallery from 30 July to 26 September 2021.