Ana Kurist

Ana Kurist was born in 1990 in Tallinn, Estonia.

She is self-taught and known for her photorealistic portrait drawings that talk about the inner lives of her subjects.

She has had 2 solo exhibitions with Victoria Olt Gallery:

2025: Emotions: Mine and Yours,

in which she explores the emotional depth of human experience through expressive portraiture and dynamic line work. The artist captured both simple everyday feelings and intense exuberance, using abundant lines to reflect the flow and depth of emotions. By portraying emotions we all share, the works invite viewers to see themselves in the figures depicted, creating a deeply personal and universal connection.

2023: Bloom and Grow

Bloom and grow is an exhibition that speaks of mother daughter love. Ana Kurist made this exhibition in collaboration with her mother Kai Kurist who has been a lifelong artist but never dared to dream exhibiting her work. The exhibition speaks of the everlasting journey of growing as a person and reaching for the moments where we can "bloom".

Ana Kurist has also participated in numerous group exhibitions.

Interview with Ana Kurist

1. How and when did you find your way to art?

My journey with art began early in childhood. I had such a strong desire to become an artist that, as a little girl, I held a four-leaf clover in my hand and made a wish that one day, when I grow up, I would become an artist. I think a big influence was that my mother was also involved in art, and I drew so much inspiration from browsing her artworks — even just looking at her art supplies made my eyes light up. Art has always been a part of my life; I can't even remember a time when it wasn't.

2. Where do you draw inspiration from?

I’m inspired by people’s inner worlds — all those big feelings, emotions, and thoughts. I also find inspiration in music, films, photography, and the works of other artists.

3. Is there a particular artist or art style that has influenced you more?

As a very young artist, I was incredibly inspired by Egon Schiele's work. His expressive figures taught me that great art doesn’t have to be traditionally “beautiful” or technically perfect. Understanding that helped me become bolder in my own work and to discover my personal style.

4. Has your personal drawing style changed over time?

My style used to be more fluid and free; over time it has become more refined — I think things through more and plan ahead. But one thing has never changed: I still love to portray women in my work and express expressiveness through lots of lines.

5. How many artworks decorate your home walls?

Interestingly, I’m currently an artist with empty walls. The artworks are there, the frames too — I just need to buy a drill, find the time, and then I can start decorating the walls.

6. Do you follow what’s happening in the global art scene, and if so, how much?

I stay updated with the contemporary art world mostly through social media. I enjoy discovering new art, and nowadays it’s only a few clicks away. We’re no longer dependent solely on galleries or books. Still, nothing compares to experiencing artworks in real life — the emotional impact is so much more powerful.

7. What are you working on at the moment?

Having just completed my drawings for the Victoria Olt Gallery group exhibition, I now have a bit more free time — possibly to experiment more in my art and push my boundaries further. During the summer months, I also want to make time for hobbies alongside art: growing flowers in the garden and doing more baking in the kitchen.

8. To create a perfect artwork, you need:...

...freedom — to make art without worrying about what anyone will think of it, without deadlines and without expectations that the piece has to turn into something amazing. That’s when the most honest and daring works are born, the ones that can even surprise the artist themselves.

9. The Estonian art scene right now is...

...full of talented young art with no shortage of originality. It’s great to see how young Estonian artists have found their visual identity, and how their works stand out and are easily recognizable.

10. What are the hottest trends in art right now? (what’s “in”)

I’m not really interested in trends, so I’m not very aware of what’s currently popular. I believe people no longer want just artwork that looks nice in their interior — they want art that speaks to them personally.

11. What would you say to someone just starting their journey in art?

I’d recommend experimenting with different styles, materials, and themes. Many rush to find “their style,” but I don’t think you should box yourself in too quickly. By experimenting in your creative work, you learn a lot about yourself and naturally discover your artistic voice — without forcing it.

Available artworks from the artist: