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Fishing Net Repairers

Richard Uutmaa (1905-1977)

1941
Oil on canvas
105 x 118 cm

Uutmaa brought three paintings to the 1941 spring exhibition: Rye Harvesters, Sheep Shearers and Fishing Net Repairers. These are three large figural compositions which form a complete set in terms of their dimensions, theme and approach. According to researchers, this trio with its pastoral story line was in the context of the events of those times (the Second World War and occupation) a homage of a kind to Estonian life.
Since Uutmaa lived in his home village of Altja at the time that this painting was completed, it can be presumed that this work was also at least partially completed there.

Fishing Net Repairers

It is a good idea to consider the symbolism of colour in the case of this work. Namely, he has painted the blue-black-white combination in the heart of the picture where the shirt of the artist himself is white. The same kind of combination can also be seen in Rye Harvesters.

Fishing Net Repairers

Uutmaa also depicts himself here: the only man in the painting is the artist himself.

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Autumn Landscape with Well
Street, Board Fences and Houses
Park Pathway
View of a Small Town
View of Tartu
Fishing Net Repairers
 

Fishing Net Repairers

Richard Uutmaa (1905-1977)

The first half of the 1940’s turned out to be the period for Richard Uutmaa when he developed and found his style since the works he completed in the 1940’s are his best works. He participated a great deal in exhibitions during the war and also attracted the widespread attention of critics. His subjects were mostly themes associated with life along the seashore. He has repeatedly depicted the patching, twining, and mending of nets, and other such work.
The latter half of the 1940’s was contradictory for Richard Uutmaa and his creative work. It is known that he planned to flee from Estonia in 1944 yet he nevertheless remained in Estonia with his wife because she pleaded with him to stay in Estonia. Instead, after working in Altja as a freelancer for several years, he went to Tallinn, where he was a lecturer at the state institute for applied art.