Ocean of Endangered Times
acrylic, canvas 300x200cm 2019

The prehistoric jellyfish emerges in an intense flow of colours, adding layers of dream and threatening doom to the scenario.

Snakes, as well as flies and ticks, are recurring motifs in the work of Merike Estna. In a number of cultures and religions, the snake symbolises evil, but with its ability to slough off its skin it is at the same time a reminder of rebirth. In passing, the artist also mentions that, according to Estonian mythology, the souls of the dead can live on in snakes. In their smallness, flies and ticks can here be seen as the bearers and spreaders of both bacteria and biological and virtual viruses.