Johann Köler’s milestone anniversary set to return artist’s life’s work to the public

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the first ethnically Estonian professional artist, Johann Köler. To celebrate this milestone, the Kondas Centre, Viljandi Museum and the Rüki Gallery will be presenting a triple exhibition entitled Köler 200: The Original, the Copy and the Interpretation, which will be accompanied by a diverse additional program.

Viljandi Museum director Anu Rannu says it is a matter of honour and something of a rescue mission to keep the memory of the local hero alive. “Although Köler’s name is still recognised, that is about all,” she remarked. “Our mission is to bring his works to the public once more and to remind ourselves that talent, determination and hard graft can take you all the way to the top, despite a poor start in life.”

The highlight of the anniversary year will be the opening on 8 March of an exhibition showcasing Köler’s life and work, and his impact on modern art. Viljandi Museum will be displaying a near complete set of reproductions of Köler’s art, both known and unknown, and telling his adventure-filled life story. The Kondas Centre will be shining the spotlight on Köler’s original artworks, in various techniques and stages of completion, and seldom seen before. At the Rüki Gallery, interpretations of Köler’s works will be presented by contemporary artists Tõnis Saadoja, Marge Monko; Jass Kaselaan, Johanna Ulfsak and Mihkel Ilus.

In addition to the exhibition, a Köler conference, a festival, a book exhibition, a painting competition in the artist’s style and other events are planned. A hiking trail showcasing locations connected to Köler will be opened, and a range of creative contests and educational programmes held for children and teenagers. Raimo Jõerand has begun filming a documentary about the artist. The anniversary year’s events will be listed on the website koler200.ee, which will launch in March. Ideas for other ways to honour the memory of the respected cultural figure are welcome to be e-mailed to [email protected].

Johann Köler was born in Viljandi County on 8 March 1826, the seventh child of a poor family. Having left home at just nine years of age, he spent many years studying in Latvia and then, against all odds, found his way to St Petersburg, where he became an academic and one of the Russian Empire’s leading artists. However, Köler never forgot his homeland: he made use of his connections to alleviate the circumstances of Estonians living under the yoke of land owners. Köler identified with Viljandi County until the end of his life, often signing his works with a reference to his birthplace (Köler–Wiliandi).

The organisers of Köler 200: The Original, the Copy and the Interpretation thank the following for their support and cooperation: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, Art Museum of Estonia, Tartu Art Museum, Viinistu Art Museum, Ministry of Culture, City of Viljandi, Põhja-Sakala municipality, Estonian History Museum et al.