Artists’ Views
19.11.2026–28.02.2026
The skyline of Tallinn’s Old Town, together with its harbours – commonly known as the ‘sprat-tin view’ – is as much a landmark for Estonians as the skyscrapers of Manhattan in New York, the domes of the mosques towering over the Bosphorus, or the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in Sydney.
The sprat-tin view is an important part of Tallinn’s aesthetic identity. But the issue is by no means solely one of aesthetics – those ship’s funnels, cranes, containers, warehouses, and all manner of machinery that blend into the cityscape have provided the people of Tallinn with work, Baltic herring and bread, and have been the driving force behind the city’s development.
Panoramic views and more detailed glimpses of Tallinn’s harbours have been a source of inspiration for artists throughout the centuries. Although the port is primarily an industrial and technical environment, artists have long considered it an important subject to depict.
The organiser and sponsor of this exhibition is Port of Tallinn – Estonia’s largest complex of cargo and passenger ports, which, thanks to its innovative approach and cutting-edge technology, is a leading port in the entire Baltic Sea region.
In addition to its economic success story, Port of Tallinn also holds art in high regard.
Curator: Tiit Pruuli
Project manager: Kadi Karine
Exhibition design: Mae Kivilo
Language editing and translations: Hille Saluäär, tõlkebüroo Interlex
Construction: Monetta OÜ
Printing: POS Print OÜ
Technical solutions: Helina Torv, Valter Vaht, Tõnis Veltman
Animation, projection mapping: Lauri Laasik
Transport of artworks: Plado Art Services OÜ
Installation of artworks: Valge Kuup OÜ, Oksana Leontjeva
Marketing graphics: Andres Tali
Marketing project manager: Iris Tomson
Communication: Laura Maide
Private collections: the Jõeleht family, Olav Osolin, Sven Pertens, Tiit Pruuli, David Pärnamets, Mait Sooaru
Art Museum of Estonia, Estonian Maritime Museum, Tartu Art Museum
Special thanks to: Darja Andrejeva, Sirle Arro, Laura Jamsja, Tõnu Joonas, Herman Hendrik Jõgeva, Valdo Kalm, Mihkel Karu, Marika Korolev, Eve Paavel, Maria Väinsar, Pro Air OÜ, ArtSmart prindistuudio
Sponsor: AS Tallinna Sadam / Port of Tallinn