ESTONIA: The Life of Ülo Sooster
This week, prepare to delve into the captivating life of Ülo Sooster, a trailblazing Estonian modern artist. Born with a rebellious spirit, he found himself shackled by the oppressive grip of the Soviet Union. Yet, his passion for art coursed through his veins, driving his very existence. Tragically, his artistic expression collided with the iron fist of authority, leading to his arrest and a harrowing journey to a Stalinist gulag. But what became of Ülo amidst the unforgiving confines of the gulag? Did the relentless toil of forced labor crush his spirit, or did it ignite a fire within him, fueling his creative vision? Let's unravel the enigmatic tale of survival, resilience, and the profound influence of adversity on Ülo's artistry. Ülo Sooster (Photo Collection of the Art Museum of Estonia) EARLY LIFE Ülo Sooster was born on 17 October 1924 on the small island of Hiiumaa, Estonia. The family owned a large farm, known as the Pendi Farm, and were quite wealthy by the standard...