Endel Kõks was an Estonian artist who left a significant mark on Estonian art history. Born in Tartu, he studied at the Pallas Academy of Fine Arts between 1934 and 1940, where he was inspired by Karl Pärsimägi. Kõk's first public exhibition was in Tallinn in 1938, and he quickly gained recognition for his work.
After moving to Germany in 1944 and later settling in Sweden in 1950, Kõks participated in several international exhibitions, including in New York and Stockholm. He had solo exhibitions in Örebro and Uppsala and participated in group exhibitions such as ‘Estnisk och Lettisk konst’ at Liljevalchs Konsthall in Stockholm in 1946.
Kõk's production was varied and included landscapes, portraits, still lifes, collages and monumental paintings. His style is characterised by strong colours and contrasting light. His studies in France and travels in Europe gave him a broad artistic foundation. He integrated different styles and techniques, which contributed to his unique and multifaceted expression. Kõks developed a particular technique of using strong colours combined with dark outlines, which became a hallmark of his style.
Kõks is represented in many collections and museums in Estonia, Sweden, Germany, Canada and the United States. He was also the author of books and articles on Estonian art and an important voice in the Estonian diaspora, where he helped to preserve and promote Estonian culture through his art. Kõks died on 25 November 1983 in Örebro.