Paavo Matsin, nominated for the Cultural Capital Literary Award for his work 'Baeri laulud,' reflects on the state of contemporary poetry and its infrequent engagement with the concept of masks. He contrasts this with notable historical figures in poetry, such as Priidu Beier, who famously adopted various personas in his work, and Professor Toomas Liiv, who creatively incorporated characters from diverse literature into his poetry. Matsin argues that this playful aspect of poetic expression has been underexplored in modern poetry.

Matsin's approach to poetry is influenced by his upbringing in Tartu, a city known for its academic heritage, which is reflected in his fascination with early 19th-century professors. He articulates a desire to revive the playful dynamics of incorporating historical figures and personas into poetry. Matsin indicates that during the formative years of Tartu University, there was a thriving environment for experimentation and movement in literature, elements that he seeks to rekindle in his own writing.

Through 'Baeri laulud,' Matsin aims to challenge contemporary poetry norms while inviting readers to engage more deeply with the historical context that shapes literary discourse. By reintroducing the playful 'mask' of the past into modern works, he hopes to enrich the poetic landscape and spark rejuvenated conversations around identity and representation in literature.