#time4estonia with SIIL = hedgehog
Did you know that hedgehog got its prickles from Kalevipoeg? „But who is Kalevipoeg?“ you might ask. He is a mythical character from Estonian national epic ‘Kalevipoeg’ (Son of Kalev), published in 1857.
Kalevipoeg’s aim was to serve his country and people. He was a hard-working giant who fought with the underworld and went to find the end of the world. Hedgehog advised him and helped to win a fight. In return, Kalevipoeg gave then-naked-animal a piece of his coat to protect him. This is how the hedgehog got its prickles.
Kalevipoeg brought prosperity to the land and his people. And hedgehog became a true symbol of intelligence and wisdom.
Both Hedgehog and Kalevipoeg have inspired a street artist Edward von Lõngus – the Estonian “Banksy”. His art carries political message and takes a critical look at the contemporary society. The famous characters from historic and literary past find new perspectives. For the artist, the beloved Hedgehog, stuck in front of his Apple-computer, is a hacker and an evil mastermind, the brains behind the muscle.
In 2018, Edward von Lõngus came up with a digital augmented reality street art project #(R)estart Reality that took him to 11 capitals of Europe, including London. Take a quick journey through Europe and see if you can spot the hedgehog.
Edward von Lõngus street art portfolio: https://noar.eu/en/artist/edward-von-longus/
#time4estonia is Mon – Fri 4pm Estonian Embassy in London Facebook series where you can discover Estonian artists, writers, musicians, architecture, cities, museums, galleries, nature etc. We will give you a hint of Estonian language (eesti keel [ˈeːsti ˈkeːl]), our humour and Estonian spirit.
