International Bookbinding Art Exhibition “Bound Thoughtscapes” at Tallinn University of Technology Library's Glass Gallery (Akadeemia tee 1) from 16 to 31 January 2026.
This year’s annual exhibition of the Estonian Association of Designer Bookbinders is dedicated to Fred Jüssi (29 January 1935 – 1 December 2024). The international bookbinding exhibition is based on the book “Fred Jüssi and the People Around Him”, compiled by Jaan Tootsen and published by Paradiis Publishing in 2025. Twenty-three professional bookbinders from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland have created unique binding interpretations of the book.
The book, compiled in honor of the 90th birthday of the renowned Estonian biologist, nature photographer, and popularizer of nature, brings together writings by his close family members, friends, and fellow travelers, reflecting on Fred and his inner landscapes. Contributions come from Tõnu Õnnepalu, Jaan Tätte, Doris Kareva, Valdur Mikita, Anu Raud, Mehis Heinsaar, Joosep Matjus, and many others. Among the highly diverse texts are personal memories and correspondence, as well as dreams and poetry.
Jüssi’s legacy serves both as inspiration and as a guiding map for the artists participating in the exhibition. The bookbinding objects preserve fragments of his world of thought, his human influence, and his philosophical relationship with nature. New and unique book forms bring together words, creativity, and memory. The exhibition addresses themes such as slowing down, attentiveness, a nature-conscious way of life, and the balance between humans and the environment. Festina lente – make haste slowly in today’s rapidly changing world!
Acknowledgements: Jaan Tootsen; Taska Film; Paradiis Publishing; Tallinn University of Technology Library; Viru Film Fund, Vaike Septer; Siim Liivand.
Curators: Rene Haljasmäe and Tähti Roostalu, Exhibition design and photos: Tiia Eikholm
The book, compiled in honor of the 90th birthday of the renowned Estonian biologist, nature photographer, and popularizer of nature, brings together writings by his close family members, friends, and fellow travelers, reflecting on Fred and his inner landscapes. Contributions come from Tõnu Õnnepalu, Jaan Tätte, Doris Kareva, Valdur Mikita, Anu Raud, Mehis Heinsaar, Joosep Matjus, and many others. Among the highly diverse texts are personal memories and correspondence, as well as dreams and poetry.
Jüssi’s legacy serves both as inspiration and as a guiding map for the artists participating in the exhibition. The bookbinding objects preserve fragments of his world of thought, his human influence, and his philosophical relationship with nature. New and unique book forms bring together words, creativity, and memory. The exhibition addresses themes such as slowing down, attentiveness, a nature-conscious way of life, and the balance between humans and the environment. Festina lente – make haste slowly in today’s rapidly changing world!
Acknowledgements: Jaan Tootsen; Taska Film; Paradiis Publishing; Tallinn University of Technology Library; Viru Film Fund, Vaike Septer; Siim Liivand.
Curators: Rene Haljasmäe and Tähti Roostalu, Exhibition design and photos: Tiia Eikholm
