Kiwa

Kiwa (b. 1975) is one of the most prominent pioneers of Estonian experimental art since the 1990s. His field of activity is exceptionally broad: he works in the spheres of visual art, literature, sound art, and performance. He is also known as a curator and the founder of the publishing house ;paranoia. Kiwa is the author of several books, the latest of which are Roboti tee on nihe. Salatühik (The Robot’s Path is a Shift. Secret Void, new edition, ;paranoia, 2025), Tagasi Hukkunud Alpinisti hotelli (Back to the Dead Mountaineer’s Hotel, ;paranoia, 2025), and Kogetud manifestid (Experienced Manifestos, Vabamõtleja 2024). In 2022, he received the Language and Style Award of the Estonian Writers’ Union for his book Kummiliimiallikad (Rubber Glue Springs, Tänapäev, 2021). Kiwa studied sculpture at the Tartu Art School and the Estonian Academy of Arts, and media art at Tartu Art College. He has held various jobs, from assistant baker and Klassikaraadio host to a lecturer in contemporary art at the Academy of Arts. He has created sound and stage designs, composed original music, and been a member of bands including Rebel Angel, Karamell, Nyrok City, HIV, Luarvik Luarvik, metabor, and others. Kiwa received the titles of Tartu City Bearer of Culture and Creator of the Year (2022). His most recent solo exhibitions were MIЯЯOЯERROR (with Toomas Volkmann) at Vaal Gallery (2025) and The Robot’s Path is a Shift at Artrovert Gallery (2023).