Images portraying Estonia, captured by photographer Tõnu Runnel's lens
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Introducing "Eesti" - A Raw, Unfiltered Peek into Estonian Life
Here's a saucy sneak peek at some pictures and bits from Tõnu Runnel's tantalizing book, "Eesti": A Photographic Journey through the Heart of Estonia. This bad boy is available in both Estonian and English, so ya don't gotta strain yourself to get a taste of Runnel's steep narratives.
Double Decker Delights
Take a Sunday ramble through the old towns, where you'll find ancient wooden houses, their once-elegant facades now weather-beaten and adorned with large trees and two-story barns. But don't let the picturesque charm fool ya; living in these crumbling wood dwellings can be a real pain in the ass. Hauling firewood up from the barn just to feed the wood stove? Talk about a buzzkill.
Abandoned and Forgotten
Cars don't always make it to the scrapyard. Sometimes, they end up as decorations in a family's countryside cabin, only to conk out and leave an eyesore behind. Hey, who needs a functional car when you've got a fleet of beat-up jalopies waiting in your magnetic homestead, right? In Southern Estonia, these rusty hulks are as common as a city slicker in a pair of designer sneakers.
But fret not, some of these metal monstrosities find a second life before decay takes them over. They become landscape sculptures, adding a vintage charm to Estonia's rolling hills. Just don't expect 'em to ever catch fish from the sea.
Poisonous Landscapes
Man-made disasters can be toxic, contaminating groundwater and spewing dust into the air. But there's something kinda artful about them, isn't there? It's like a twisted blend of beauty and horror, making you question whether we should preserve these poisonous spaces and neutralize their harmful effects. These polluted wastelands in Ida-Virumaa have been preserved for all to see, offering a grim reminder of our industrial past and a cautionary tale for the future.
A Sense of Home
You can buy a house, but it takes more than just owning property to create a home. Cook up a storm in the kitchen, share meals, and make memories. Fill your abode with laughter, love, and life, and voila! Instant coziness. Doesn't matter if the place is run-down and needs some TLC; as long as ya keep it clean, it's all good.
The Grand Scheme
Ever had those grand dreams of reimagining an entire city, making it chic and modern? Well, Tõnu Runnel's here to burst your bubble. Ambitious city redevelopment plans often fall flat, leaving us with half-finished projects and unfulfilled dreams. So, why not learn from the past and embrace the quirks and charm of a city that's evolved organically?
Life in the 'Hood
Tartu's Supilinn, or "Souptown," is the perfect example of a city with character, thanks to a mix of old and new. From cool restorations to shabby chic construction, this neighborhood has it all, making it a unique blend of old-world charm and modern life. And don't even get me started on the damn buildings with their mismatched windows and dance-floor worthy spray foam!
So there ya have it, folks. Tõnu Runnel's new photobook is available in all the coolest bookstores in Estonia, and if you're not lucky enough to be there in person, you can order it online from Krisostomus. Don't miss out on this tantalizing journey through Estonia's heart and soul!
Don't forget to check out Tõnu Runnel's other series: Eesti blues, Eesti noir, Eesti home, Eesti mist, and Eesti autumn!
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- Delve into the heart of Estonian life through Tõnu Runnel's enlightening book, "Eesti": A Photographic Journey, available in both English and Estonian.
- Embark on a leisurely Sunday ramble through old towns swathed in picturesque charm, filled with weather-beaten houses, large trees, and two-story barns.
- In Southern Estonia, abandoned cars sometimes transform into rusty sculptures, adding a vintage charm to the rolling hills but occasionally serving as unwelcome eyesores.
- The poisonous wastelands of Ida-Virumaa, though toxic and hazardous, exhibit a unique beauty that prompts questions about their preservation and the neutralization of their harmful effects.
- A home is more than just a house; it's a space filled with laughter, love, and life, where memories are created, coziness is born, and even neglected dwellings can feel warm and inviting.
- Ambitious city redevelopment plans often fail, leaving unfinished projects behind, but the charm and character of organically-evolved cities like Tartu's Supilinn, with its blend of old and new, is undeniable.
