Exhibition “Geometry. Thought Patterns and Reflections”. New! Paintings by Olev Kuma
The Institute of Computer Science presents the second part of the exhibition “Geometry. Patterns of Thought and Reflections,” which connects art and science at the Delta Study Building – a series of abstract paintings titled “TRANSFER” by Olev Kuma. The exhibition is part of the event series “Order and Chaos,” organised in collaboration with the art galleries of seven University of Tartu study buildings. The concept and curation of the exhibition are by artist Kärt Summatavet.
The exhibition “Geometry. Patterns of Thought and Reflections” is a long-term creative project of the Institute of Computer Science, aiming to connect and reflect the synergy, relationships and interplay between art and science. The art exhibition, displayed on various floors of the Delta Study Building, is constantly evolving and expanding, revealing different facets of contemporary art and science.
The new part of the exhibition introduces the evolution of geometric minimalism—characterised by precise and clear forms—towards more complex visual mind games and new possibilities in painting techniques. In contrast to recognisable shapes and patterns, painter Olev Kuma plays with the interplay of apparent freedom and deliberate chance. His abstract painting series “TRANSFER” (2022–2023) may at first appear chaotic, but this initial impression is misleading. The paintings should be observed slowly, allowing time to engage with the seemingly abstract works. Gradually, through the interaction of perception and inner experience, the viewer begins to discover geometry and order—consciously created by the human hand on the level of advanced patterns of thought.
The idea for the art exhibition dedicated to geometry and mathematics emerged from the Order and Chaos event series' challenge to explore the connections between art and science. The exhibition consists of visual art pieces, mathematical formulas, visual poems and geometric structures that reflect the invisible rhythms and connections of the universe. Signs, rhythms, and colors in music and architecture, in art and material culture, carry messages and codes that can be unraveled by understanding the foundational formulas of geometry.
Encoded visual texts unfold through keys hidden in the archaic layers of nature, the universe embedded in culture, and craftsmanship. The exhibition has an underlying code, language, and key that encompasses the golden ratio and Fibonacci numbers, Eastern thought, ancient cultures, and the atmosphere of the University of Tartu Art Cabinet, where avant-garde exhibitions and poetry evenings were held in the university café from 1962 to 1975 under the direction of Kaljo Põllu.
These exhibitions featured the legendary art researcher and interpreter, graphic artist Tõnis Vint, Jüri Arrak, and Leo Lapin. The exhibitions also involved graphic artist Mare Vint, who developed her artistic style under the influence of the Vint and Lapin circle. The exhibition features the most well-known representatives of minimalism and conceptualism and the radical wing of Estonian art innovation and neo-avant-garde, such as Raul Meel. Among Tõnis Vint's students, the exhibition includes Ene Kull, Kärt Summatavet, and Rainer Kurm, who studied in his famous home studio. The exhibition features sculptor Anne Rudanovski with origami installations in cooperation with mathematician Tiina Kraav, whose abstract works explore the impact of nature and mathematics, precision, and creative freedom on human thinking. The premiere of scientific poetry presented by Jaagup Kirme visualizes and articulates concepts, using drawing as a research tool. A unique part of the exhibition on the IV floor consists of Professor Gerhard Rägö's slides, inspiring examples of how mathematical beauty and harmony are expressed visually and are not merely technical tools for interpreting mathematical complexity, and Ex Libris of outstanding mathematicians created by famous Estonian artists.
