Eiko Ojala Opens His First Solo Exhibition in Viljandi

Eiko OjalaExhibitions
Written By Dutch Uncle

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.

Further reading

Dutch Uncle

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Over nearly two decades, Dutch Uncle have built one of the most decorated artist rosters in the industry. Our artists have produced Gold Clio and Cannes Lions award-winning work for clients spanning fashion, luxury, fintech, tech, healthcare, and publishing. We have collaborated on prestige illustration and animation projects for global leaders, including Hermès, Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Rimowa, as well as Apple, Google, Mercedes, Netflix, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, The New York Times.

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