About Me

About the Artist: Siret Põllu

A Quiet Evolution: Beyond the Visible Surface

Born in 1983 amidst the windswept landscapes of Hiiumaa, Estonia, my path as a fine artist has unfolded as a quiet evolution of observation, introspection, and emotional inquiry. For me, realism is not merely a means of representation; it is a language through which I explore the invisible—inner tension, psychological resilience, and the subtle weight of contemporary existence.

My work often inhabits the fragile spaces between trauma and belonging, vulnerability and the stubborn persistence required to endure. Rather than a direct narrative, I employ symbolic imagery. Still lifes, animals, and familiar objects become vessels for emotional memory. A silent animal is rarely just a creature; it becomes a metaphor for dependence, exposure, and the quiet longing carried from childhood into adulthood.

The Visual Identity: The Meaning of Black and Red

The visual identity of Siret Põllu Art is rooted in a specific conceptual framework. My logo and brand are defined by two primary counterforces: Black and Red.

• Black evokes the night—those silent, disorienting moments in which identity dissolves and reforms. It represents the depth of the unknown and the space for introspection.

• Red stands as the vital counterforce: an inner flame, a symbol of endurance, and the primal will to persist.

Between these kahel poles, my subjects exist in a suspended emotional state, inviting the viewer into a contemplative dialogue that reaches far beyond the visible surface of the canvas.

Roots, Studies, and the Next Generation

Alongside my dedicated studio practice and formal artistic studies in Kuressaare and Tartu, I find deep meaning in guiding younger generations. For several years, I have led children’s art classes in the Kõrgessaare region. Their unfiltered creativity serves as a daily reminder that art is not merely aesthetic production, but a way of understanding the larger composition of life itself.

Today, my practice continues to evolve at the intersection of classical tradition and contemporary psychological inquiry, seeking to reveal the silent narratives we all carry within.

Beyond the Studio: Two Worlds, One Foundation

My artistic practice is grounded in a life deeply connected to the land, animals, and a sense of profound responsibility. The legal entity behind my work carries an unusual name: Musta Mära Tall OÜ —a name rooted in a personal history that continues to shape both my life and my art.

Founded in 2017 on the island of Hiiumaa, the company emerged at a time when necessity demanded resilience. With few farriers available locally, I began caring for my own horses’ hooves—a practical, physical skill that grew into a dedicated service for the surrounding community. Yet the heart of the name lies not in a profession, but in a quiet act of devotion.

The Black Mare: A Lesson in Endurance

The “Black Mare” refers to Vau, a long-awaited black Estonian Sport Horse. Her birth was the fulfillment of a quiet dream, yet she soon faced significant health challenges. At a time when I considered stepping away from horse breeding altogether, Vau became the reason I stayed. Passing on a horse with special needs was never an option; her home was with me.

Today, Vau stands as the quiet center of a stable of fourteen horses. She is a living reminder of the themes that echo throughout my paintings—vulnerability, persistence, and the silent bonds between beings.

Where the Physical Meets the Introspective

Whether the company name will one day change remains an open question. For now, it represents the place where my two worlds meet: the grounded, physical reality of daily care and the introspective, timeless realm of art.

If you encounter the name Musta Mära Tall on an invoice or during checkout, please know it simply marks the foundation that allows my stories to be painted, preserved, and shared. It is the practical anchor that supports my creative journey.