Art show draws on new talent
Published 24 August, 2008, 18:24
Nine cutting-edge artists from Moscow have presented their works at the Volker Diehl gallery in the capital. The exhibition is designed to show how contemporary art is developing in Russia and what the new breed of artists is trying to say.
The gallery is the first to be opened by the German art dealer in the Russian capital. Owner Volker Diehl says: “Russian artists have something to say, something that western artists don't say.”
The art he refers to is said to be very ironical while retaining formal integrity. Diehl says it’s a combination that attracts many art lovers.
But despite this quality, the works are all very different: some are collages, some are abstract and one depicts pieces of furniture with pen on paper.
Pavel Polyanisky is one of the artists whose works are presented at the “Fresh Blood” exhibition. He says foreign collectors rather than his compatriots are interested in the contemporary art scene in Russia.
“The art market in Russia is very conservative. Collectors prefer traditional works. I've sold almost all my works to collectors from Europe and the U.S.,” Polyanisky said.
The organisers sifted through hundreds of pictures to select the most promising to launch a new generation of artists on the international stage.
Curator Christina Steinbrecher says there is a lot of contemporary artwork from Russia in the marketplace, but collectors are in constant pursuit of fresh pieces.
“We've sent out invitations to our show. We've got calls from all over the world: from India, New York and LA asking about who they are, asking to send more information, more images. People are trying to learn more,” she said.
The items are on show at the Diehl Gallery until September 13.
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