"Bound Thoughtscapes"

Tallinn University of Technology Library Glass Gallery 16.–26.01.2026

Opening on Saturday, 17 January at 1:00 p.m.

This year's annual exhibition of the Estonian Association of Designer Bookbinders is dedicated to Fred Jüssi (29 January 1935 – 1 December 2024). The international bookbinding exhibition is based on the book "Fred Jüssi and the People Around Him", compiled by Jaan Tootsen and published by Paradiis Publishing in 2025. Twenty-five professional bookbinders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland have created unique binding interpretations of the book.

The book, compiled in honor of the 90th birthday of the renowned Estonian biologist, nature photographer, and popularizer of nature, brings together writings by his close family members, friends, and fellow travelers, reflecting on Fred and his inner landscapes. Contributions come from Tõnu Õnnepalu, Jaan Tätte, Doris Kareva, Valdur Mikita, Anu Raud, Mehis Heinsaar, Joosep Matjus, and many others. Among the highly diverse texts are personal memories and correspondence, as well as dreams and poetry.

Jüssi's legacy serves both as inspiration and as a guiding map for the artists participating in the exhibition. The bookbinding objects preserve fragments of his world of thought, his human influence, and his philosophical relationship with nature. New and unique book forms bring together words, creativity, and memory. The exhibition addresses themes such as slowing down, attentiveness, a nature-conscious way of life, and the balance between humans and the environment. 

Participants: Tähti Roostalu, Rene Haljasmäe, Tulvi Turo, Sirje Kriisa, Tiia Eikholm, Dorel Sabre, Rünno Kulver, Maarja Roolaht, Tiiu Vijar, Kert Lokotar-Reimann, Kadri Paloveer, Irmeli Jaanson, Signe Taremaa, Lennart Mänd, Jaana Päeva, Ulla Torop, Leelo Leesi, Eve Vetemaa, Rutt Maantoa, Anneli Filipov, Eve Kaaret, Tiina Piisang, Tarja Rajakangas (FIN), Lolita Grabauskienė (LIT), Iližane Grīnberga (LAT).

Curators: Rene Haljasmäe and Tähti Roostalu

Exhibition design: Tiia Eikholm

Acknowledgements: Jaan Tootsen; Taska Film; Paradiis Publishing; Tallinn University of Technology Library.