Artists

Rainer Kaasik-Aaslav

Rainer Kaasik-Aaslav is an artist from the young generation of Estonian jewellers. His technique of choice is stone engraving, a method rarely used today. The artist draws inspiration from history, ancient mythology, religion, and collective memory, and his detailed and precise works are reminiscent of small mise-en-scène or assemblages constructed from individual details rather than pieces of jewellery. His conceptual, thought-provoking works combine the Christian and classic mythology with contemporary elements, offer a commentary and ironic take on modern culture and religion and the relationship between man and God. Although the artist places substantial focus on echoing the anthropomorphic and zoomorphic shapes seen in the authentic ancient mythologies, he does not follow strict rules when constructing a narrative of jewellery. Kaasik-Aaslav often reinterprets such familiar symbols as a crucifix or a white dove and creates a new version of the myth using the mythological structure and easily recognisable signs.

Biography
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