Eiko Ojala Opens His First Solo Exhibition in Viljandi
Eiko Ojala: “Mind Notes” / “Meele märkused”
Venue: Rüki Gallery, Tartu tn 7c, Viljandi, Estonia
Exhibition: 16 August–26 September 2026
Opened: 15 August 2026 at 5:00 PM
Curator: Lilian Hiob-Küttis
Admission information: Rüki Gallery
Supported by: Cultural Endowment of Estonia
Info https://www.rukigalerii.ee/news/mind-notes-by-eiko-ojala
Eiko Ojala and Mind Notes
Estonian illustrator and artist Eiko Ojala has opened his first solo exhibition at Rüki Gallery in Viljandi. Meele märkused, translated as Mind Notes, presents a part of Eiko’s practice that has rarely been shown in an exhibition setting.
Eiko is known internationally for editorial illustrations made for Time, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Le Monde and Politico. His work combines digital construction with hand-drawn elements and close attention to light, shadow and form.
For Mind Notes, Eiko moves away from the requirements of an editorial brief.
The works examine relationships between the human figure, geometric forms and controlled interior spaces. Figures bend, sink and press against surfaces.
The exhibition asks how buildings and designed environments can influence movement and psychological states.
There is still a paper trail. Eiko’s familiar sense of cut paper, relief and constructed depth remains present, although the subject now belongs entirely to him.
About Eiko Ojala
Eiko was born in Estonia in 1982 and works as an illustrator and visual artist. He builds images largely through digital methods while drawing elements by hand. Shape, light and shadow remain central to his working process.
About Rüki Gallery
Rüki Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Viljandi. It occupies a historic barn building at Tartu tn 7c. During renovation, a sign reading “Rüki jahu”, referring to rye flour, was discovered in the building and supplied the gallery with its name.
Mind Notes continues at Rüki Gallery until 26 September 2026.
