Liisa Addi “Black Sheep”
Estonian Artist Liisa Addi’s Exhibition Black Sheep Explored the Journey of Self-Understanding and Acceptance at Victoria Olt Gallery
The Victoria Olt Gallery hosted the powerful exhibition Black Sheep by Estonian artist Liisa Addi, offering visitors a vibrant and deeply personal exploration of the artist’s journey towards self-understanding and acceptance after receiving diagnoses of autism and ADHD. This colorful exhibition delved into the complexities of neurodivergence, illustrating Addi's evolving relationship with herself through her art.
The Black Sheep series served as a metaphor for individuals often cast aside by society—those who are different but possess profound inner strength and sensitivity. In her work, Addi engaged in a continuous dialogue between her inner child and her adult self, reflecting the tension and balance between vulnerability and resilience. This personal dynamic formed the core of the exhibition.
"The series is a collaboration between my inner child and my adult self. The child leads the way, showing me how to regain confidence and openness to my emotions. Meanwhile, my adult self illustrates the traumas we’ve experienced in life and how they shape our new, rediscovered path. One part wants to explore, while the other wants to protect," Addi explained when discussing the meaning behind her works.
Throughout the exhibition, Liisa Addi shared her personal story through the represented paintings, making visible the experiences and emotions shaped by her neurodivergence. Black Sheep was a deeply intimate and artistic investigation into Addi’s process of self-discovery and acceptance following her autism and ADHD diagnoses. The exhibition reflected the conflict between her childhood and adulthood, her struggle with societal norms, and her desire to find her place in the world.
Liisa Addi’s artistic journey began in childhood, where she nurtured a passion for drawing. At the age of 13, she transitioned from traditional drawing to digital illustration, soon taking on professional commissions. After completing high school in 2012, she pursued tattooing, eventually winning several international awards for her unique use of color in her tattoo designs.
In recent years, Addi has dedicated herself to painting, as it allows her to express herself on a larger and more impactful scale. Her artistic style blends contemporary and pop art motifs with abstract elements, and she is particularly known for her bold use of color and watercolor-like transitions. These techniques, vibrant and fluid, bring an almost dreamlike quality to her work, reinforcing the emotional depth behind each piece.
The Black Sheep exhibition not only served as a commentary on society but also as a deeply personal reflection on the artist's journey toward self-discovery. Through her work, Liisa Addi sought to encourage others to explore and accept their true selves, inspiring a broader understanding and appreciation of neurodivergence. Her paintings were a call to recognize the inherent value in each individual, celebrating our differences as unique and important aspects of our identities.
As part of her journey, Liisa Addi hopes that her art will inspire others to embrace their individuality, showing that each of us, with our unique traits and challenges, holds intrinsic worth just as we are. Her work resonates with the message that everyone, even those who may feel like "black sheep," is valuable and deserving of acceptance and love.
Liisa Addi
60 x 80 cm
Acrylic on canvas / akrüül lõuendil