Gallery ART & TONIC opens exhibition of young artists, works sold at online auction

The ART & TONIC gallery in Tallinn has opened its now-traditional exhibition of young Estonian artists, with all works available for purchase through an online auction. Out of 400 works submitted, a jury selected 89 paintings, graphic prints and sculptures created by artists under the age of 40.

Painter Hendrik Hürden is taking part in the event for the eighth time. He says the exhibitions keep getting stronger and more diverse each year, noting that this edition features many large-format works, including his own sizeable painting. He suggests this may reflect artists' wish to express their ideas on a grand scale, or simply a growing number of art collectors and buyers.

Growing interest among younger buyers

ART & TONIC owner and auction organiser Reigo Kuivjõgi says the work of young artists has been gaining increasing public resonance in recent years, with a rising number of relatively young contemporary art buyers as well — a typical pattern, he notes, since each new generation tends to favour art created by its peers. Based on previous years, he predicts that 90 to 95 percent of the exhibited works will find buyers.

The auctions also draw potential buyers thanks to comparatively low starting prices, often in the double or even single digits in euros, though strong demand can push final prices much higher.

Graphic artist Ahti Sepsivart has submitted work to the auction before as well. He recalls that one of his pieces previously sold at its starting price while the rest sold for considerably more, some multiple times over. Still, he says he does not design his work according to art market trends, instead following his own creative impulses.

Artist Johanna Mauer says participating in such exhibitions boosts artists' visibility and recognition, helping them understand which audiences respond to their work and confirming their efforts are not in vain.

The final piece selected for the exhibition arrived at the gallery just a couple of hours before the opening. All auctioned works can be viewed both at the gallery and online.