In Tartu, we have a road between Tartu Kaubamaja (shopping mall) side and Tasku (shopping mall) side which runs over Emajõgi. If you don’t want to walk a few extra yards and just have to go by the river side, then you can easily get to the other side by going under the bridge (see the passage in the pictures here).
The passage itself is, or at least was until a few days back, a reminder of gloomy Soviet days. The big grey tiles made it a boring sight; a place occasionally occupied by the drunkards or people seeking financial assistance from the passersby. It is still the same except for the life that has been added in colors to its walls.
One day I was coming back from lunch with a friend when I noticed the transformation taking place. There was a mounted video camera carefully placed out of the way to record the process. Walking under the bridge you could also see the stock of food and accessories piled against the opposite wall for the angels at work. The angels at work are enrolled for Bachelors in Media and Advertisement Design at the Tartu Art College. The girls were painting the wall for earning credits for doing a substantially contributing semester project work.
When asked about the message being communicated here, one of the girls explained that since Emajõgi means “Mother River” in Estonian, they are using woman and its hair for symbolism. The activities, like boating and fishing, are gifts from the mother. They are also painting the fisherman catching his heart in the Emajõgi on the right portion of the wall. The girl added that the interpretation is, however, open to everyone.
This artwork has infused a new life in this portion of the river. I saw some students taking pictures here on the Halloween night. No, they were sober and not at all dressed for the occasion!
In my opinion, it’s definitely recognition. I never saw anyone taking pictures here before =)