Anna-Liisa Kree "Summer Is Just a State of Mind"
Summer
is a long-awaited season.
At the same time, it is an extremely challenging period from the perspective of care work. The long-desired warmth and freedom bring a sense of happiness; the oppressive darkness and loneliness are behind us. The high, radiant sun brings light—creating the illusion of happiness and endless possibilities. Perhaps happiness and freedom are not illusions at all, but simply states of mind? Just like summer itself—light and freedom can be carried within, creating opportunities to cope with the mundane.
With this exhibition, the artist explores various aspects of care work, remaining hopeful while staying within the bounds of reality. By shifting focus away from societal expectations of acceptance and instead toward deeply personal experience— regardless of external approval—a personal photo series is created. It consists of both colour photographs and deconstructed black-and-white works, forming a dialogue about the necessity—or perhaps futility—of personal and societal approval.
Anna-Liisa Kree (b. 1981) is an Estonian photographic artist whose work focuses on themes of domesticity and social representation. She works in the medium of analog photography, preferring to print and process her photographs herself, making the entire process an integral part of her artistic practice. She studied Photography and Digital Imaging (BA, 2008–2011) at the University of West London, UK, and Contemporary Art (MA, 2024) at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Since 2002, she has participated in exhibitions in both Estonia and the UK.
The exhibition is part of the Tallinn Photomonth satellite program.
Supporters: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Viljandi City Government
At the same time, it is an extremely challenging period from the perspective of care work. The long-desired warmth and freedom bring a sense of happiness; the oppressive darkness and loneliness are behind us. The high, radiant sun brings light—creating the illusion of happiness and endless possibilities. Perhaps happiness and freedom are not illusions at all, but simply states of mind? Just like summer itself—light and freedom can be carried within, creating opportunities to cope with the mundane.
With this exhibition, the artist explores various aspects of care work, remaining hopeful while staying within the bounds of reality. By shifting focus away from societal expectations of acceptance and instead toward deeply personal experience— regardless of external approval—a personal photo series is created. It consists of both colour photographs and deconstructed black-and-white works, forming a dialogue about the necessity—or perhaps futility—of personal and societal approval.
Anna-Liisa Kree (b. 1981) is an Estonian photographic artist whose work focuses on themes of domesticity and social representation. She works in the medium of analog photography, preferring to print and process her photographs herself, making the entire process an integral part of her artistic practice. She studied Photography and Digital Imaging (BA, 2008–2011) at the University of West London, UK, and Contemporary Art (MA, 2024) at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Since 2002, she has participated in exhibitions in both Estonia and the UK.
The exhibition is part of the Tallinn Photomonth satellite program.
Supporters: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Viljandi City Government