Behind the Scenes in Tallinn - The Phoebus Foundation

On June 21, 2024, the exhibition History and Mistery: Latin American Art and Europe opened at the Kumu Art Museum in Tallinn, Estonia. This exceptional installation features 112 Latin American works curated by Sirje Helme and Kadi Polli, whilst offering a unique scenography designed by renowned artist Kristi Kongi and showcasing magnificent works from the Viceroyalties period, alongside a selection of modern artworks by well-known artists such as Joaquin Torres Garcia, Roberto Matta, and Diego Rivera.

Exhibition view of History and Mystery Latin American Art and Europe at the Kumu Art Museum in Tallinn featuring paintings displayed on brightly coloured panels with focused museum lighting.
Stanislav Stepashko © Photo courtesy of the Art Museum of Estonia

A special space has also been dedicated to the work and life of Leonora Carrington. The Phoebus Foundation has loaned seven works for this exhibition, and the team of curators and project coordinators has traveled to Tallinn to assist with the preparation and installation of these artworks, which are being shown internationally for the first time here.

Special attention has been given to the delicate materials of some artworks, and extensive preparations have been made to ensure the installation proceeds efficiently and safely. Careful restoration has been carried out, and special packaging and installation requirements have been applied. Furthermore, additional security measures have been implemented to protect the artworks from potential vibrations in the space.

Exhibition view featuring a monumental wooden sculpture on a plinth alongside abstract artworks displayed on the wall in a museum gallery with restrained lighting.
Stanislav Stepashko © Photo courtesy of the Art Museum of Estonia
Exhibition wall displaying modern and contemporary paintings and drawings, carefully arranged against a deep red museum wall with accompanying wall texts and labels.
Stanislav Stepashko © Photo courtesy of the Art Museum of Estonia

History and Mistery: Latin American art and Europe runs until November 3, 2024, and is accompanied by several public events introducing the artistic relationships between Latin America and Europe. For more information and tickets, please visit the museum’s website at kumu.ekm.ee.

Exhibition gallery featuring religious artworks displayed against bright yellow walls, including paintings, sculptures, display cases, and a bench within a museum setting.
Stanislav Stepashko © Photo courtesy of the Art Museum of Estonia
Exhibition space displaying modern and historical artworks on softly coloured walls, featuring framed pieces, a circular sculpture, and a minimalist museum layout.
Stanislav Stepashko © Photo courtesy of the Art Museum of Estonia
Exhibition gallery with deep burgundy walls, presenting paintings and sculptures in a restrained museum setting with display cases and pedestals.
Stanislav Stepashko © Photo courtesy of the Art Museum of Estonia