Evald Okas

(Estonia, 1915-2011)

'Girl with a Garland'.

Signed E. Okas and dated 1989.

Oil on canvas 33 x 46.5 cm

By the late 1950s, Evald Okas was working mainly in the medium of charcoals and earning his living by sketching ex libris - graphic designs that identify the owner of a book, usually pasted onto the inside cover. Around this time Okas was even given permission to travel; first, within the Soviet Republics, then later worldwide and exhibit works as far afield as Asia and Western Europe.

In 1954 he became the professor at the Estonian State Art Institute; in 1962 the corresponding member of the Academy of Arts of the Soviet Union and the full member of the academy in 1975.

Evald Okas lived in Tallinn and was a member of the Estonian Artists’ Association.