Artist Talk: “Emerging Artists 2026: The Baltics & Finland”

in May 2026 Fotografiska Tallinn launched the first exhibition of its new initiative, Emerging Artists: The Baltics & Finland, bringing the region’s rising stars of photography into the spotlight.In this international group exhibition, we encounter a new generation of photographers from the region who combine a strong documentary eye, a sensitive artistic vision, and a skill for staging playful scenes.This talk took place on May 9, 2026, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the exhibition and the creative worlds of its artists.The discussion explored current directions and trends in contemporary photography, as well as how distinctive artistic voices develop through personal experience and creative practice.The conversation also touched on photography as a tool for addressing timely and sensitive topics: how artistic work intertwines with personal life, the role of collaboration with communities, and why it is important to leave space for playfulness and humor.Photography has the power to raise questions and spark dialogue. In this conversation, emerging artists shared how they perceive and use that power. The discussion was led by Kulla Laas, Head of the Emerging Artist Program at Fotografiska Tallinn and curator of the exhibition.Artists participating in the talk:Annemarija Gulbe (Latvia), Ieva Baltaduonytė (Lithuania), Karl Ketamo (Finland), Anna-Liisa Kree (Estonia), Andra Rahe (Estonia), Filips Smits (Latvia), Pavelas Šalaikiskis (Lithuania).Emerging Artists 2026: The Baltics & Finland, group exhibition, 9 May – 1 November For the first time, Fotografiska Tallinn brings together a new wave of image-makers from across the region. “Emerging Artists: The Baltics & Finland” is a platform for fresh perspectives – work that is searching, bold, and in sync with the pulse of our time. The inaugural exhibition brings together artists from all four countries, opening up personal worlds, testing the boundaries of photography, and offering new ways to experience the present moment. All artists have been selected through an open call, and for many, this marks their first appearance on a stage of this scale – with some series being shown publicly for the very first time.