Ohakas, Valdur (1925 – 1998) Self – Portrait. (1942 – 48).

Oil on plywood, the self-portrait of Valdur Okhakas, captures the essence of an era, painted during his training at either the Tallinn School of Fine and Applied Arts or the Tartu Art Institute between 1944-48. A leading figure in Estonian art during the 20th century, Ohakas’s work resonates with history and his personal journey. His background, including time in a Siberian prison camp (1949-1956), and his association with the renowned Pallas school, form a vital part of his artistic identity. Despite a tragic fire in 1991 that destroyed many of his creations, Ohakas’s love for drawing remained undiminished. His drawings, filled with inspiration and moods, are as fresh and real as the artist’s breath, reflecting the power and critical stance against established art norms.