Tauno Ostra (born in Tartu, Estonia, in 1991) is a contemporary artist currently residing in Tallinn, Estonia. Specializing in contemporary drawing and tattooing, Ostra`s work is marked by his use of mixed media, with his preferred canvases ranging from raw fabric to human skin and wooden structures. The artist's unique approach has garnered attention and acclaim, leading to his pieces being collected by various private collectors across The Baltic States.
Ostra’s artistic exploration delves deeply into the interplay between balance and dissonance. His large-scale geometric drawings are reminiscent of early Suprematist painters, yet they carve out a distinctive niche in the contemporary art world. Recurring motifs of conflicting geometric shapes characterize his work, which is presented on the raw, unprimed form. Notable projects include the Ö (2016) and Symmetry (2017) solo exhibitions, where Ostra solidified his approach to contemporary drawing. The Proovid (2017) group exhibition, curated by Margot Kask at Draakon Gallery (Tallinn) further marked the evolution of his artistic vision. Tauno Ostra’s artwork has been featured in several exhibitions, reflecting his growing presence in the art community. His notable solo exhibition T_S_K__L (GÜ Gallery, ARS 2024) showcased his discovery that dissonance can be more compelling than harmony inside a composition. Through these exhibitions, Ostra continues to push boundaries of contemporary drawing, leaving a lasting impact on the viewers and the broader artistic discourse. "By translating abstract shapes onto human body as a canvas, Tauno Ostra`s works take on a unique dynamic. The integration of the human figure as a living element creates a profound connection between the viewer and the artwork " - Katharina Hoffmann |
Member of the ESTONIAN ARTISTS ASSOCIATION (Eesti Kunstnike Liit) since 2024
Member of ESTONIAN PRINTMAKERS ASSOCIATION (Eesti Vabagraafikute Ühendus) since 2022 STUDIES: 2016-2017 ESTONIAN ACADEMY OF ARTS - Graphic Art, MA (NOT GRADUATED) 2011-2015 TALLINN UNIVERSITY, ARTS DEPARTMENT – Art Education, BA 1998-2010 TALLINN ART GYMNASIUM SELECTED PERSONAL EXHIBITIONS: 2025 PARALLELS w/ Sandra Sirp (Artrovert Galerii, Ristiku 10, Tallinn, EST) 2024 T_S_K__L. GÜ galerii (Tallinn, Estonia) 2023 Everyone Loves A Rainbow. These Are Not Rainbows, Miks Mitte? Baar, Müürivahe 54 (Tallinn, EST) 2017 Symmetry, Viljandi Linnagalerii, VIljandi (EST) 2016 IDENTITEET, Võru Linnagalerii, Võru (EST) 2016 Ö, Terra galerii (Tallinna Ülikoo), Tallinn (EST) 2015 IDENTITEET, Haapsalu Linnagalerii, Haapsalu (EST) SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS: 2024 T@T{01}, Põhjala Tehas (pop-up galerii Ankru 8), Tallinn(EST) 2022 SEIS! GRAAFIKA!, MONA The Museum of New Art, Pärnu (EST) 2017 MIRROR FACE TO FACE, Estonian National Library (EST) 2017 MIRROR FACE TO FACE, Vicenza (ITA) 2017 PROOVID. Draakoni Galerii, Tallinn (EST) 2016 PUHAS JOONISTAMINE, Kastellaanimaja galerii (E. Vilde majamuuseum), Tallinn (EST) 2016 SELF HELP. Boom Box Gallery (Hereford Skatepark), Hereford (UK) 2016 BALTIC DRAWING, Kulttuuritalo Virta, Imatra (FIN) 2016 SPRING EXHIBITION. 16th Annual Exhibition of the Estonian Artists´ Association at Tallinn Art Hall (EST) 2015 AKTIKROKII, Tõnis Laanemaa´s Studio, Tallinn (EST) 2015 TALLINN 5TH INTERNATIONAL DRAWING TRIENNIAL, Tallinn Art Hall/ Viinistu (EST) 2014 TARTU GRAAFIKAFESTIVAL, Kohvik Promenaadi 5, Tartu (EST) PUBLICATIONS: (16.09.2015) "How To Define A Cat?" series in a London based online art magazine FOR-EXAMPLE.ORG (01.03.2021) VÄIKE TÄTOVEERIMISKULTUURI TEEJUHT, Book showcasing the Estonian Tattoo Culture by Riho Paramonov (16.05.2022) “COMPOSING UNIQUENESS WITH ABSTRACTION” - https://blaxtractattoos.com/black-abstract-tattoos/composing-uniqueness-with-abstraction-with-tauno-ostra/ |
