Tarmo Luisk’s new exhibition is based on the contradictions of overconsumption, economic growth and the green revolution.

Instead of coming out with manifesto, however, he speaks through objects characterised by simplicity, multifunctionality, emotion and independence.

Luisk’s objects have an industrial touch and their modularity adheres to the principle of universal rationality, but at the same time they also retain sharp references to the past. It is characteristic of Luisk to adapt, react, and allow himself to be influenced by changes and his surroundings in the best possible way.  Here the viewer can find playful lists of keywords currently relevant to him as a designer. Most of the exhibited objects have been created in the last few years and most of them are on display for the first time.

Luisk describes his approach this time as follows:

“Less than six months ago, I received confirmation from ETDM that my solo exhibition would be taking place after all. It was more or less immediately clear that the exhibition would receive the ambitious title “Less is less”.

I was naturally very pleased with another solo exhibition because it always provides a great opportunity and also an obligation to get yourself together. 

As this is not a retrospective exhibition, this meant that many of the ideas I had refined and admired on paper finally had to be realised.

The concept was briefly as follows: all the products and unique objects I exhibit are characterised by simplicity, structural clarity, as few details as possible, a distinctive design language and a meaningful title. Of course, everything is made with less material, waste and time. Fewer materials and technical solutions have been used. So the footprint is also smaller. 

There is also a little bit less beauty that comes from function. I have used about three or four approaches. However, some items in the exhibition are even multifunctional. 

You may or may not like the items designed, they may seem interesting or not – it’s purely a matter of taste. But at least the functionality and usability are there!” 

Tarmo Luisk (1970) graduated from the Estonian Academy of Arts as a product designer in 1996 and is one of the most stable and consistent designers active in this field. He has developed product lines for many companies. Having started designing lights for Rinaldo AS in 1993, he designed his first lighting series Basic (1997), which became a powerful milestone in new Estonian design. This was followed by a collaboration with the brand 4ROOM (since 2000), which grew out of Estoplast, with most of their light design series having been designed by Luisk.

However, as a designer, Luisk’s range also encompasses furniture and other consumer goods. He is a multiple winner of the Estonian Bruno design award and has participated in many Estonian design exhibitions at home and abroad. The exhibition “Less is less” is the second of Tarmo Luisk’s eight solo exhibitions to take place at ETDM.

Text, interview: Kai Lobjakas
Graphic design: Indrek Sirkel
Camera: Virko Veskioja
Sponsors: Cultural Endowment of Estonia, 4ROOM, Megaluumen