ABOUT
Riivo Kruuk is an Estonian-American multidisciplinary artist based in Charleston, South Carolina. Born in 1998, he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from Florida Atlantic University in 2020. Kruuk’s work intricately weaves Eastern European folklore and traditional attire with contemporary motifs and pop culture elements. His figures are richly adorned with embroidery-like patterns and bold abstractions, creating a dynamic fusion of classical and contemporary art.
Since relocating to Charleston in 2020, Kruuk has actively contributed to the city's vibrant art scene. His murals and exhibitions have been showcased both nationally and internationally, He has also participated in group exhibitions like the Piccolo Spoleto Juried Exhibition at City Gallery in Charleston, SC, and the RUA Mural Festival in Estonia.
Kruuk's artistic journey reflects a deep connection to his Estonian heritage, honoring his cultural roots through his distinctive visual narratives. His work continues to captivate audiences, bridging the gap between traditional folklore and modern artistic expression.
EXHIBITIONS
SOLO
2025 ‘Sanguine’, Stevenson and Co Gallery, Charleston, SC
‘Where On Earth Are We Now’, Mini Show, Stevenson & Co Gallery, Charleston, SC
2024 ‘Tradition’, White Gallery, Mt. Pleasant SC
Pop up Show, Studio Union, North Charleston, SC
2023 ‘Virvatuluke’ Exhibition at the Estonian House, Manhattan, NYC
2022 KALEVIPOEG, Julia Deckman Studio, Charleston SC, USA
‘Il Calcio È Guerra’ , Redux Contemporary Art Center, Charleston, SC
GROUP
2024 REDUX Contemporary Art Center Annual Art Auction, Charleston, SC
Galerie Diderot, Chateau Orquevaux, France
Piccolo Spoleto Juried Exhibition, City Gallery, Charleston SC
2023 REDUX Contemporary Art Center Annual Art Auction, Charleston, SC
2022 ‘To Freedom’ University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin, USA
GAP Gallery, 'Keep Your HedHi’, Charleston, SC
Redux Studio Artist Group Show, Charleston, SC
GAP Gallery “One Year Celebration” Group Show Charleston SC
2021 ‘Riivo Kruuk’, Highfalutin Gallery, Charleston SC, USA
GAP Gallery Volume 2, Charleston SC
Cultural Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters, 30th Re- independence Festival, Manhattan NYC
Spark Exhibition Invitational, Public Works Art Center, Summerville, SC
2019 Wynwood Art Walk, Miami, FL
RAW Art Show, Ft. Lauderdale
FESTIVALS
2025 RUA Mural Festival, Saaremaa, Estonia
2024 KultureKlash Arts Festival, North Charleston, SC
NUBLIKUM Festival, Keila, Estonia
Cheltenham Paint Festival, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
EUNIC Cluster Mural Project ‘Garden of Collective Futures’ - Lower Eastside Manhattan, NYC.
2023 SISAF Sibiu International Street Art Festival, Romania
EDUCATION
2020 Bachelors in Fine Arts in Painting, Florida Atlantic University, FL, USA
RESIDENCIES
2023 Chateau Orquevaux Artist & Writers Residency, Orquevaux, France
2022 Studio residency at Redux Contemporary Art Center, Charleston, SC
PRESS
2024 Ringvaade- Jul. 03 - Young Estonian artist in the U.S.
‘Garden of Collective Futures Takes The East Village’
https://www.standardhotels.com/culture/eunic-mural-2024
Interview with French Estonian House- Paris
https://www.france-estonie.org/entretien-avec-le-peintre-riivo-kruuk/
2023 Õhtuleht Daily Paper- Artist Interview
Charleston City Paper - ‘Emerging Artists to watch for in 2023’
https://charlestoncitypaper.com/2023/01/11/emerging-artists-to-watch-for-in-2023/
2022 WEAU 13 News - News feature at the University of Wisconsin
https://www.weau.com/2022/11/08/furlong-gallery-welcomes-new-art-series/
University of Wisconsin-Stout ‘To Freedom’ Exhibition Press Release
Eesti Vaba Sõna Intervju (Estonian Free Press Interview)
https://www.vabaeestisona.com/et/2022-kultuuristipendiumi-voitja-on-kunstnik-riivo-kruuk/
West Of Free Press, Full spread interview
2021 Cultural Foundation for Estonian Arts and Letters
Two murals posted, CharlestonToday Paper
https://chstoday.6amcity.com/street-art-and-murals-charleston-sc/
2020 I Like Your Work Podcast Online Exhibition, ‘Congruence’
2019 Voyage MIA, interview
