August Künnapu says positive energy and simple images define his art
Tuesday 27th October 2026 on 17:30 in
Estonia
Artist August Künnapu’s new exhibition in Tallinn brings together sports, cats and portraits, reflecting themes he says have interested him for 25 years, ERR reports.
The exhibition, “Water sportspeople, cats, a pole vaulter, Brigitte Bardot and others,” is on show at Truus Gallery and features works Künnapu made this season.
“Sport has always fascinated me,” Künnapu said. He is also drawn to the bustle of everyday life and portraits of creative people. The exhibition includes Brigitte Bardot; over the years, he has also painted architects, artists, writers and musicians.
Künnapu said he returns to sport and athletes in his paintings because he is interested in capturing the movement of sport using the static means of painting. He does not choose athletes based on their fame, he said.
The gallery’s unusual shape also influenced the exhibition design. Künnapu said he planned the layout in his head, which was unusual for him, and changed the positions of two smaller paintings between the windows to avoid overcrowding the space.
Künnapu named positive energy and simple, clear images as key elements of his work. Citing writer Charles Bukowski, he said: “There is enormous power in simplicity. I agree.”
The exhibition is open at Truus Gallery until November 21.