Tõnis Saadoja’s portrait of President Alar Karis was unveiled at the Office of the President of the Republic of Estonia. Saadoja was selected by President Karis to create the work.
For Saadoja, the starting point was not the presidential office but the individual portrayed. The painting developed from a photographic session with Karis, with Saadoja subsequently selecting the image that would become the basis for the work. The artist was given extensive creative freedom throughout the process.
President Karis chose Saadoja for his distinctive artistic practice, sensitivity and approach to painting. The two first met in December 2021, when Karis visited Saadoja during his residency at WIELS in Brussels. Saadoja was among the first artists President Karis met after taking office.
Photos: Priit Mürk // ERR
