Mirjam Hinrikus, Eero Epner and Paavo Piik on canon formation in the program Helikaja

On May 18, 2024, Klassikaraadio’s program Helikaja asked why we continuously take such keen interest in one and the same artists. Playwright and art historian Eero Epner, playwright Paavo Piik and literary scholar Mirjam Hinrikus offered their insights into the topic. The show was hosted by Miina Pärn.

The discussion focused on the agents and mechanisms of the canon formation and delved into the question who is written into the history and why.

“If women and men had shaped the canons on equal basis at the beginning of the 20th century, I don’t think the canons would have been very significantly different,” said Mirjam Hinrikus.

Eero Epner found that there is always something interesting in the canon: “For something to remain in history and grow, you need politics, mediators, the right context, etc., but if you don’t have this core, my experience says that you can blow and blow the soap bubble, but it will explode pretty quickly.”

Paavo Piik claimed that the creation of myths is on the one hand good because it helps to clearly highlight certain works. On the other hand, the works that are not affective enough may be overshadowed: “The role of the mediator is to make us see the work of art in a way that we ourselves couldn’t otherwise.”

Listen to the show HERE.