On Friday, 12 June 2026, I had the pleasure of visiting the International Watercolour Exhibition at Fremantle’s historic Old Customs House. The exhibition brings together artists from across Australia and around the world, creating a vibrant celebration of one of the most expressive and technically demanding art forms.
Stepping into the exhibition space, I was immediately immersed in a world of beauty captured through brushstrokes on paper.
As an Estonian, I was particularly delighted to see Estonia represented among the participating nations, alongside our neighbour Finland. Five Estonian artists — Aleks Kase, Kadri Bormeister, Marju Bormeister, Airi Aas and Tiina Tammetalu — were invited to exhibit their works, and I am glad they accepted the opportunity to showcase their talent on the international stage.
The Estonian artworks stood out for their distinctive character. Bold colours, confident compositions and expressive brushwork created a strong visual presence. Together, the works offered a refreshing perspective and demonstrated the diversity and creativity of contemporary Estonian watercolour art.
What impressed me most was the versatility of the medium itself. Watercolour is often associated with softness and subtlety, yet this exhibition revealed its remarkable range — from delicate transparency and light to vibrant, dramatic works full of energy and emotion.
The exhibition is more than an art display; it is a cultural exchange that brings together artists and audiences from many different countries. It was heartening to see Estonian artists contributing to this international dialogue and sharing a small piece of our creative spirit with visitors in Western Australia.
The International Watercolour Exhibition is free and open to the public until Tuesday, 23 June 2026. For anyone with an appreciation for art, creativity or simply beauty, it is well worth a visit. I left inspired, grateful for the experience and proud to see Estonia represented so strongly among artists from around the world.
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