Tarrvi Laamann
Tarrvi Laamann (b. 1973) is an artist, DJ and one of the most well-known leaders of reggae culture in Estonia. Laamann graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts with a master’s degree in graphic design (2000) and has been a member of the Estonian Artists’ Union since 1994. Since 1998, Laamann has organized Bashment, a series of events introducing reggae culture.
Tarrvi Laamann justifies his favorite technique, woodcut printing, as follows: “You never know exactly what the end result will be, because wood sometimes does crazy tricks. Okay, if I were working with a smooth oak board, the result would be more predictable. But I use plywood. That’s what makes it interesting, because there are so many different variables here – I feel like I’m not the author of the work, but God or someone else has planted stupid ideas in my head, and the woodcut printing then adds its own twists. I like that. It’s impossible to have complete control, just like in life.”
Tarrvi Laamann’s works are influenced by both reggae and his native Estonia. Traveling abroad has added bright colors, smells, tastes, warmth, rhythms, and the feeling of being on vacation. All this abundance of colors and exoticism combines into a beauty that is more spiritual than decorative. Laamann’s works radiate positivity and happiness; this is his way of improving the world.
Source: Noba.ac
