TALLINN.- The exhibition Life Can Never Be Paused invites the audience on a personal journey where artistic expressions intertwine with existential questions. It is an invitation to pause, breathe, and view the world a little differently. The participating artists are Daria Morozova, Hedi Jaansoo, Lauri Lest, Maie Helm, Reti Saks, and Silva Eher. The exhibition is curated by Johanna Jolen Kuzmenko.

How should we act when the world presents more than we can absorb? How to find peace and meaning in a rapidly changing reality? The title of the exhibition Life Can Never Be Paused points to an existential truth: life has the ability to persist even in the most challenging circumstances. In this exhibition, Kuzmenko explores themes ranging from personal inner turmoil to global societal challenges.

Special attention is given to a critical analysis of social media and media consumption, highlighting both the opportunities of the social media era and the pressure to express personal opinions on significant events, often quickly transforming individuals into “experts” in the field. The exhibition offers an alternative to the constant cycle of reaction and response: a space to pause, reflect, and feel.

The works of author Haruki Murakami have had a significant influence on the curator. Kuzmenko describes Murakami’s texts as a personal balm for the soul, helping to interpret the complexity of human existence. The exhibition’s concept is inspired by a profound understanding of the human experience, where every moment holds both pain and hope. The artworks presented in the exhibition intertwine personal experiences with a broader societal context.

The exhibition will be open at Tallinn Art Hall until 9 February 2025, with free admission.

Johanna Jolen Kuzmenko (b. 1994) is an art historian with a keen interest in both historical and contemporary art. As a researcher, she contributed a chapter to the exhibition catalogue STODOM: A Combination of Letters that Changed Estonian Photography. Her exhibition reviews have appeared in several Estonian publications. In 2021, she assisted in preparing the annual exhibition of the Estonian Association of Architects.