The exhibition showcases a selection of original expressive hand-printed textiles by artist Signe Kivi. It highlights printed textiles and the process of creating them as a versatile means of self-expression. The display, supported by the artist’s archive, reflects her years of exhibiting and the accompanying opening events. A bold and uninhibited approach to ornamentation, the deliberate use of monochromatic tones, or vibrant colours have made a lasting impression, with their originality establishing Signe Kivi’s distinctive creative signature.

“Fabric has fascinated me since childhood. Simple white, monochrome, or with a striking abstract pattern. Black. Lime green and cool yellow side by side with purple. Fuchsia and turquoise – the contrasts,” shares Signe Kivi.

On display are both hand-printed original textiles and revived designs from various creative periods. Preparing for the exhibition gave Signe Kivi the opportunity to return to the printing table and rediscover the allure of plain white fabric. As she puts it: “Before I dared to pull the first strokes of colour with the squeegee… just like back in the third year at the art institute in 1977.”

Signe Kivi (born 1957) graduated as a textile artist from the Estonian State Art Institute in 1980. During her studies, hand-printing techniques became a significant creative outlet for her, a passion that lasted for many years. She began participating in and organising exhibitions immediately after completing her university education.

Signe Kivi was assigned to work at the company “Kodu”, where she was active until 1985. From 1985 to 1991, she worked as an artist for ARS, designing printed, painted, and woven household textiles as well as furnishing textiles for public buildings. Since 1988, she has been a member of the Estonian Artists’ Association and a founding member of the ON Group, established in 1990. Starting in 1988, she has taught textile students at the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA), and in 1997, she was appointed as a professor in the department.

Her works have been recognised with awards at the Baltic Young Applied Artists Triennial (1984), the Baltic Applied Art Triennial (1991), and the Grand Prix at the Tallinn Applied Art Triennial (1997). In total, she has participated in nearly one hundred exhibitions.

Signe Kivi’s works are part of the collections of the Estonian History Museum, the Estonian Academy of Arts, the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design, the Narva Museum, and the Estonian National Museum.

The exhibition is open until 2.03.2025.

Design: Madis Liplap

Graphic design: Anna Kaarma

Video: Tõnu Talivee

Translation: Refiner 

Exhibition Team: Ketli Tiitsar, Kai Lobjakas, Toomas Übner, Helen Adamson, Birgit Tohter, Kristi Paap

Photographers: Tõnu Talivee, Mari Kaljuste, Arno Saar, Eve Kask, Vera Heinsaar, Toivo Raidmets, Kalju Kivi, Signe Kivi

Thanks: KIU Trükistuudio and Inga Jalandi, Kõrgem Kunstikool PALLAS, Aet Ollisaar, Marju Roos, EKAR Trükk and Eduard Krebets, OÜ Digiprint, JaaJaa Koopiakeskus, Tõnu Talivee, Rasmus Prik, Ene Kaups, Kalju Kivi, Mihkel Kivi, Merit Berzin