Evald Okas (1915 - 2011) - photo 1

Evald Okas

Evald Okas (Russian: Эвальд Карлович Окас) was an esteemed Estonian painter, celebrated for his profound contribution to art, particularly through his captivating portraits of nudes. Born in Tallinn in 1915, Okas embarked on his artistic journey at the State Art School, where the tumultuous era of World War II and the subsequent Soviet invasion of Estonia deeply influenced his path. These events led him to join the Soviet army and eventually become part of the artistic collectives organized in the Soviet rear in Yaroslavl, Russia, where he honed his skills under the mentorship of significant figures such as Aino Bach and Richard Sagrits.

Throughout his career, Okas displayed a remarkable versatility, dabbling in socialist realism during his early years, particularly noted in his work alongside Elmar Kits and Sagrits in painting the ceiling of the Estonian National Opera. However, by the late 1950s, he shifted towards working primarily in charcoals, creating ex libris and exploring freer artistic expressions. This period marked a significant evolution in his art, allowing him to exhibit across the Soviet Republics and internationally, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with a profound depth and sensitivity.

Notably, Okas's work took a lyrical turn during his time on Kihnu Island, where he painted numerous portraits of fishermen and islanders, reflecting a more picturesque and liberated brushwork. These works are celebrated for their naturalistic portrayal of everyday life, imbued with a sense of warmth and intimacy that characterizes Okas's approach to his subjects.

Evald Okas's legacy extends beyond his own contributions to include the artistic endeavors of his son, Jüri Okas, an architect, installation artist, and printmaker, ensuring the continuation of the Okas family's impact on the art world. His works remain a significant part of Estonia's cultural heritage, offering insight into the country's historical and social narrative through the lens of one of its most talented artists​.

For collectors and experts in art and antiques, the exploration of Evald Okas's oeuvre offers a unique window into the evolution of Estonian art through the 20th century. To stay updated on sales and auction events featuring Okas's work, signing up for updates is highly recommended. This subscription ensures access to the latest information on opportunities to acquire pieces by this remarkable artist, further enriching the appreciation of Estonia's rich artistic legacy.

Date and place of birt:28 november 1915, Tallinn, Russian Empire
Date and place of death:30 april 2011, Tallinn, Estonia
Nationality:Estonia, USSR, Russian Empire
Period of activity: XX, XXI century
Specialization:Educator, Graphic artist, Painter
Genre:Genre art, Landscape painting, Portrait
Art style:Realism, Socialist realism

Creators Estonia

Ants Laikmaa (1866 - 1942)
Ants Laikmaa
1866 - 1942
Constantin Yulyevich Klever (1867 - 1937)
Constantin Yulyevich Klever
1867 - 1937
Kristjan Raud (1865 - 1943)
Kristjan Raud
1865 - 1943
Woldemar Hau (1816 - 1895)
Woldemar Hau
1816 - 1895
Johann Heinrich Wedekind (1674 - 1736)
Johann Heinrich Wedekind
1674 - 1736
Eduard Wiiralt (Viiralt) (1898 - 1954)
Eduard Wiiralt (Viiralt)
1898 - 1954
Julius Sergius von Klever (1850 - 1924)
Julius Sergius von Klever
1850 - 1924
Aino Bach (1901 - 1980)
Aino Bach
1901 - 1980
Anatoly Dmitrievich Kaygorodov (1878 - 1945)
Anatoly Dmitrievich Kaygorodov
1878 - 1945
Elgi Augustovna Reemets (1910 - 1987)
Elgi Augustovna Reemets
1910 - 1987
Yutta Iokhannesovna Paas-Aleksandrova (1927 - 2002)
Yutta Iokhannesovna Paas-Aleksandrova
1927 - 2002
Yulo Il'mar Iokhannesovich Sooster (1924 - 1970)
Yulo Il'mar Iokhannesovich Sooster
1924 - 1970
Lepo Yagovich Mikko (1911 - 1978)
Lepo Yagovich Mikko
1911 - 1978
Kapiton Stepanovich Pavlov (1792 - 1842)
Kapiton Stepanovich Pavlov
1792 - 1842
Karl von Kügelgen (1772 - 1832)
Karl von Kügelgen
1772 - 1832
Reyn Yuryevich Mets (1942 - 2011)
Reyn Yuryevich Mets
1942 - 2011

Creators Realism

Martinus Christian Wesseltoft Rørbye (1803 - 1848)
Martinus Christian Wesseltoft Rørbye
1803 - 1848
Joseph Peter Wilms (1814 - 1892)
Joseph Peter Wilms
1814 - 1892
Helen Levitt (1913 - 2009)
Helen Levitt
1913 - 2009
Viktoriia Prokopevna Drokina (1937)
Viktoriia Prokopevna Drokina
1937
John Fulleylove (1845 - 1908)
John Fulleylove
1845 - 1908
Achille Etna Michallon (1796 - 1822)
Achille Etna Michallon
1796 - 1822
Nikolai Petrovich Chimona (1864 - 1929)
Nikolai Petrovich Chimona
1864 - 1929
Edmund Mahlknecht (1820 - 1903)
Edmund Mahlknecht
1820 - 1903
Paul-Albert Besnard (1849 - 1934)
Paul-Albert Besnard
1849 - 1934
Gabriel Schachinger (1850 - 1912)
Gabriel Schachinger
1850 - 1912
Julius Paulsen (1860 - 1940)
Julius Paulsen
1860 - 1940
Eduard Georgievich Bragovsky (1923 - 2010)
Eduard Georgievich Bragovsky
1923 - 2010
Theodor Martens (1822 - 1884)
Theodor Martens
1822 - 1884
Julius Stockfleth (1857 - 1935)
Julius Stockfleth
1857 - 1935
Solomon Yakovlevich Kishinevsky (1862 - 1941)
Solomon Yakovlevich Kishinevsky
1862 - 1941
Mervin Jules (1912 - 1994)
Mervin Jules
1912 - 1994
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