Venice Biennale 2024: Edith Karlson’s Immersive Estonian Pavilion
Episode 17
Anastasia Parmson, Edith Karlson
9/3/20242 min read
In this episode, we dive deep into the life and career of Estonian artist Edith Karlson, who is the mastermind behind the incredibly detailed and immersive Estonian Pavilion at Venice Art Biennale 2024. Key takeaways from this engaging interview:
• Edith discusses the serendipitous path that led her to study sculpture and the challenges she faced after art school.
• Insights into her techniques and materials, including her preference for unconventional choices and making her own clay.
• The extensive logistics and process behind her monumental Venice Biennale project. Listen to learn many surprising details from behind the scenes.
• The impact of motherhood on her career and the challenges of being a female artist in Estonia.
• Her plans for the future and advice for aspiring sculptors.
This episode offers a detailed look at Edith's creative process, her thoughts on artist life, and her future aspirations. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes perspective on one of contemporary art’s rising stars.
02:05 Introduction and Icebreaker Questions
05:47 Early Influences and Artistic Awakening
07:42 Choosing Art School and Sculpture
11:31 Developing a Unique Sculpting Style
16:28 First Solo Show and Early Career Challenges
31:42 Venice Biennale Project: The Journey Begins
37:41 The Creative Process Behind Estonian Pavilion
39:04 Custom Creations and Logistics
40:22 Community Contributions and Home-Made Clay
43:16 Post-Exhibition Plans and Reflections
52:36 Balancing Art and Parenthood
56:22 Challenges and Hard Lessons as an Artist
59:22 Studio Rituals and Artistic Persistence
01:01:12 Future Projects and Musical Endeavors
01:02:40 Advice for Aspiring Sculptors
01:06:26 Final Thoughts and Calls to Action
Edith Karlson is based in Tallinn, Estonia. You can find out more about her work in the Estonian Centre for Cotemporary Art database: https://cca.ee/en/artists-database/edith-karlson and on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edith_karlson/
Karlson is represented by Temnikova & Kasela Gallery: https://temnikova.ee/
She is also in a band called VANA, you can purchase their digital album here: https://sadfun.bandcamp.com/album/vana-viimne-ratsu
Also mentioned in this episode:
Estonian Art Academy: https://www.artun.ee/en/home/ | https://www.instagram.com/eka_estonian_academy_of_arts/ | @EKAEstonianAcademyofArts
Venice Biennale: https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2024 | https://www.instagram.com/labiennale/ | @BiennaleChannel
Estonian Pavilion 2024: https://www.labiennale.org/en/art/2024/estonia
Temikova & Kasela Gallery: https://temnikova.ee/ | https://www.instagram.com/temnikovakaselagallery/
Liste Art Fair: https://www.liste.ch/en/home.html | https://www.instagram.com/liste_art_fair_basel | @listeartfairbasel1726
Flo Kasearu: http://www.flokasearu.eu/ | https://www.instagram.com/flokasearu
Launch Pad residency: https://launchpadart.org/lab/about/ | https://www.instagram.com/launchpadart/
Olga Temnikova: https://www.instagram.com/temnikovaaglo/
Estonian Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA): https://cca.ee/en | https://www.instagram.com/ccaestonia/
Episode art photo by: Alan Proosa https://www.facebook.com/AlanProosaPhotography/
Photos and video clips used in this episode by Anastasia Parmson. Photos of self portrait masks by Alan Proosa.