Pansies

Pansies are among the most common flowers in our urban landscapes and often the only feminine design elements in public spaces. In both Estonian and German, the pansy is referred to as the “stepmother” flower because its largest petal, or “stepmother,” overshadows the smaller petals, or “stepchildren.” In fairy tales and pop culture, the stepmother archetype is often portrayed as wicked, evil and selfish. Stories of stepmother-stepdaughter relationships typically emphasise competition between women and the cult of youth. The English name “pansy” also carries a pejorative connotation, as it has historically been associated with physical weakness, femininity and queer identity.
The public space installation is situated near the Tallinn City Gallery on Freedom Square, creating a link between St. John’s Church, the flower vendors at the intersection of Freedom Square and Suur-Karja Street, and the bus stop and kiosk known as the Black Booth (now GrillStop 24h). Visually striking, colourful and optimistic, the installation occupies a significant location in Tallinn and explores the marginalisation and underrepresentation of women and LGBTQIA+ bodies and histories in urban spaces, drawing on the symbolic connotations of the pansy.