Self-portrait With the Unknown

This book is an autobiographical exploration of Kiwa's life and artistic journey, structured around various themes and experiences. Emerging in the 1990s, a period marked by Estonia's post-Soviet transition and cultural upheaval, Kiwa's creation reflects the chaotic and rapidly changing social landscape. The text also touches on his disdain for conformity, his engagement with subcultures, and his evolution as a multidisciplinary artist working in visual arts, music, and literature. Kiwa reflects on his early life influences, his involvement in the Tartu underground scene, and his interactions with both local and global cultural figures. The text highlights his experimental approach to art, blending pop culture, punk ethos, and avant-garde practices, while also critiquing the commercialization and commodification of art. Throughout the narrative, Kiwa emphasizes his rejection of traditional labels and his pursuit of artistic freedom, often through radical and provocative means. His work is characterized by a constant evolution, driven by a desire to challenge norms and explore new frontiers in both form and content. The text serves as a manifesto of Kiwa's artistic philosophy, advocating for a fluid, interdisciplinary approach to creation that transcends conventional boundaries. Kiwa is an Estonian multidisciplinary artist whose work spans various mediums, including fashion, literature, video, sound, sculpture, installation, performance, and painting. His creations often blend pop culture with avant-garde elements, challenging conventional norms and exploring themes like identity, emptiness, and non-existence. Known for his provocative and eclectic style, Kiwa continuously reinvents himself, resisting fixed identities and playing with the boundaries between life and art.