The newly formed Estonian women’s contemporary art collective, Phoenix, has launched its latest group exhibition titled "Quintessence" at the Vabaduse Gallery in Tallinn. Curated and designed by Eveli Varik, the show features works from 17 members of the collective, including Marina Aleksejeva, Lylian Meister, and Tiiu Rebane. The exhibition explores the Aristotelian concept of the "fifth essence," or ether, serving as a metaphor for the distilled core of creative power and the spiritual immersion required for artistic rebirth.
This exhibition marks a significant milestone for Phoenix, which was established last year to provide a dedicated platform for female artists in Estonia to engage in professional dialogue and collaborative projects. Following previous showings in Pärnu and Rapla, "Quintessence" signals a shift toward a more introspective and philosophical approach for the group. By securing a prominent venue near Tallinn's Freedom Square, the collective is strengthening the visibility of women's contemporary practices within the Estonian national art scene.