The founders of Sunly, Priit Lepasepp, Martin Kruus, and Kalle Kiigske, are not only known for their in-depth knowledge of renewable energy but also for being passionate art collectors. Over the years, they have infused their enthusiasm for art into the company and its communities, supporting various art events. To integrate art even more into the daily work environment, Sunly invited well-known curator Lilian Hiob to curate an exhibition from the personal collections of Priit, Kalle, and Martin.
When selecting works for the exhibition, the primary criterion was how well they fit with Sunly’s workspaces, both conceptually and formally, offering opportunities for dialogue among employees, visitors, and partners, while reflecting Sunly’s focus on renewable energy.
The artworks on display do not provide definitive answers but invite the viewer to think and reflect. Many of the pieces offer a critical perspective on the relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the awareness and responsibility of Sunly’s founders in the renewable energy sector.
Art as a Reflection of Personal Values
According to curator Lilian Hiob, it was fascinating to discover how each founder's personal collection reflected their values and artistic preferences. Although the three collections are distinct and reflect the individuality of each collector, certain common themes emerged across all three. The exhibition's concept and the division into sub-chapters naturally followed from the values and ideas embodied in the collected works. These, in turn, mirror the interests and values of the collectors.
“Hidden Forces: Cooperation and Conflict”
The title "Hidden Forces" refers to the multifaceted nature of power: whether to view it as a singular, dominant force or as a diversity of forces working together. In the exhibition, this concept also reflects the relationship between the environment and energy — for instance, green energy, which requires collaboration with nature and harnessing its power, compared to oil drilling, which involves the violent extraction of natural resources for human benefit.
Three Floors of Top Contemporary Estonian Art
In curating the exhibition, Lilian focused on selecting pieces that aligned with Sunly’s values and offered diverse perspectives on energy, a green future, and work environments. Spread across three floors of Sunly’s headquarters in Telliskivi, the exhibition is divided into three chapters:
Invisible Waves – This chapter explores the invisible systems and structures that support modern technology and energy production, showcasing the complex mechanisms that keep our world running. Featured artists: Raul Meel, Evald Okas, Vello Vinn, Mari Kurismaa, and others.
Resilience and Cooperation – Highlighting the balance and potential for collaboration between humans and nature, this section emphasizes nature’s resilience and vulnerability in the face of technological progress. Featured artists: Mare Vint, Kristina Õllek, Katja Novitskova, and others.
I, Human – Focusing on the human experience and the challenges of the modern work environment, this chapter offers reflections on mental well-being and life beyond work. Featured artists: Cloe Jancis, Jüri Arrak, Kaido Ole, and others.
Unlocking creativity
For Sunly and its founders, supporting contemporary Estonian art is important because, like renewable energy, art is constantly evolving. Artists often highlight societal and environmental issues and visualize futures that might seem like bold utopias at the time of creation. Also, studies have shown that art at the workspace could provide a source of inspiration for more creative ideas. A survey conducted by the Business Committee for the Arts and the International Association for Professional Art Advisors, found that 78% of employees in art-enriched environments identified as more motivated. Moreover, according to Forbes 78% of over 800 respondents believe that art reduces their stress at work.
This year, Sunly supported the open-air exhibition "Wild Bits" in Southern Estonia as part of Tartu 2024 and the Foto Tallinn art fair held at the KAI Art Center in September.
