Images capturing the essence of Estonia as seen through the lens of photographer Tõnu Runnel
Hey there! Here's a fresh take on the book "Eesti" by Estonian photographer Tõnu Runnel:
🔥 Estonian Photographer Unveils "Eesti"🔥 A Book of Estonian Photo Stories🔥 Available in Estonian and English😎
Flip through a few snippets from "Eesti", my book of captivating photo stories from my beloved homeland. This meticulously curated collection boasts 100 striking photos and 90 enthralling tales, with 80 of them being my very own craftsmanship and 10 contributions by some ace collaborators. The English translation was expertly handled by Villu Arak.
🏠 Double decker. A leisurely Sunday stroll promises a delightful view of the old districts where antique wooden houses blend seamlessly with large trees and spacious sheds, their elegant, weathered facades reminiscent of a bygone era. City authorities preserve these sheds, while developers strive to replace them with modern, shed-like abodes.
Winters in these unrenovated, poorly-insulated homes can be brutal, as heating often requires hauling firewood from the second floor of the shed to the stove below. As wealth increases, locals opt for central heating and soundproof insulation, preferring to preserve cultural heritage in others' yards rather than embracing those classic sheds from their windows.
🚗 Abandoned. A vehicle's final ride may not lead to the scrapyard, but rather to a lovely family excursion to the countryside cottage. Unfortunately, setbacks may occur, such as a short circuit or something similar. In such cases, the vehicle is pushed to a temporary resting spot until repairs can be made. Unfortunately, many of these broken-down cars never make it to the scrapyard and linger on, becoming part of magnetic homesteads in southern Estonia or picturesque seaside landmarks on Estonian islands.
Though a precious few of these rusted relics are restored and shine again, the elemental forces eventually claim them as their own, transforming them into fascinating, decaying works of art that improve with time. They become beloved, vintage landscape sculptures—remarkable reminders of a bygone era—until they vanish entirely.
🍽️ Meal. Manmade landscapes that pollute groundwater and spew toxic dust may seem horrific, but they can also possess a certain macabre beauty. This raises the question: Should we preserve these devastated lands while neutralizing their hazards? The ravaged landscapes of Ida-Virumaa, though problematic, are already being preserved and repurposed instead of being hidden away and leveled. However, the efforts to create Tartu's darkest picnic spot or museum of landscape art seem to have been for naught, as both have fallen into disrepair.
One might argue that our relentless pursuit of cleanliness stifles creativity, but then again, who can deny the importance of clean air and groundwater? It's a delicate balance.
Home 🏡 A Sense of Belonging
You may own a house, but a home is born through experience. Cook in the kitchen, gather around the table for meals, sleep in the bedroom, and spend time lounging in the living room. Invite friends over and fill the space with memories. Over time, your property transforms into your home.
A home can be built from scratch, felled trees and all, or taken over and adapted to suit your preferences. Simply change the wallpaper, rearrange the furniture, swap out the bed linens, and hang your own art on the walls. A home is, at its core, reflective of the life lived within it.
A home need not be perfect to feel like home. A run-down shanty with traces of its history intact and a bit of love and effort poured into it can still evoke a sense of belonging.
🚀 General Plan
Sometimes, authorities endeavor to reimagine the layout of Tallinn, shaping ambitious visions into a city master plan. They discuss the ideal density, connectivity, and overall aesthetic of the city, constantly rethinking the past and embracing the future.
By the time modernism hit its peak, many working-class neighborhoods had fallen into disrepair. Efforts to replace these areas with friendlier, more orderly micro-districts were eventually quashed, due to financial constraints and a lack of popular support. The outcome? A delicate patchwork of old and new, each era contributing its own unique layer. A copy of postmodernism nestled between wooden-lace fretwork is simply sublime.
City evolution is truly a marvel—a testament to our adaptability and resilience. Somehow, repairs get done; buildings are restored, windows replaced, walls repaired, and electricity established. Even the smallest of efforts can breathe life into a place, preserving its charm and a piece of history.
References:1. Eesti2. Postimees
- The images in "Eesti" offer a glimpse into the Estonian culture, showcasing various aspects of Estonian life, from the old wooden houses in districts to the picturesque seaside landmarks on Estonian islands.
- Amidst the modernization of Estonian homes, there is a continuing appreciation for the Estonian way of life, evident in the preservation of antique houses, rusted cars, and even the polluted landscapes of Ida-Virumaa.
- Living spaces in Estonia are not just physical dwellings; they are a reflection of the lifestyle, fashion, food, and relationships of the Estonian people, making each home a unique piece in the Estonian world.
- For the Estonian people, a home is a place where memories are made, cultures are preserved, and lifestyles are lived, whether it's a rustic shanty or a modern apartment.
- While the Estonian authorities strive to shape the future of Tallinn through city master plans, the city's evolution is a continuous work in progress, blending old and new, traditional and modern, creating a fascinating Estonian world for travel enthusiasts to explore.
