Since 1993, Moscow haven't had any art fair. And now, at last, here it
comes! Expo-Park, Russia's famous expo organizer, better known for design,
architecture and computer shows, decided to try their effort at promoting
fine arts. Despite lack of experience in such a specific field, organizers
succeeded to make up a really representative event, joining 36 best Moscow
galleries and a dozen of art service companies at the biggest local
exhibition hall. The show resulted well in trade as well: 600 buyers from
about 16 thousand viewers is a good figure for the developing art community
in the country awaiting presidential election.
Galleries presented all varieties of art from XIX century classical and
primitive to modern decorative and contemporary. One of the most interesting
events was appearance by the British art-star Andrew Logan at Roza Azora
Gallery. He was interviewed by Russia's leading art and fashion magazines
- here he's pictured with Alexander Balashov, editor in chief of 'Predmet
Iskusstva' (Object of Art) magazine. (Sorry, GIF87abÕ has been damaged en route)
Mr. Logan's fantastic shiny jewellery
became a buy of the show, being especially popular with art community.
According to several polls - among journalists, art-critics, gallery owners
and public - Andrew Logan shared "the best artist at the show" nomination
with Moscow conceptualist Igor Makarevich. Other nominees were - for the
artists - Ivan Chuikov, Natalya Nesterova, Evgeny Mitta and Anatoly
Zhuravlev. XL Gallery was named the best gallery, with Roza Azora and
Catalog Gallery coming up next.
Most experts and critics agree that Art Moscow has good enough perspectives
to become a regular - planned as annual - forum for the best in Russian art,
and probably get an international status soon.
Serge Khripoun
Email: ThingReviews
The "best in Russian art," or any art, is not always in
Moscow. After the opening of Art Moscow, Andrew Logan took
a train to St. Petersburg, where he saw the exhibition
"Evolution of an Image," by Sergei Bugaev (Afrika), at
the State Russian Museum. This show, which featured a
20 ft. high metal sphere and installations of sound and
light, was a collaboration with Finnish artists Tommi
Gronlund and Peteri Nisunen. It was curated by Olessia
Turkina.
Also in St. Petersburg, two days before the elections,
"Along the Frontier" opened at the Russian Museum's Marble
Palace. With four installations by Bruce Nauman, Bill Viola, Anne Hamilton
Anne Hamilton and Francis Torres, "Along the Frontier" is
probably the most significant international show of contem-
porary art ever to open in Russia. The show will eventually
make it to Moscow - after travelling to Kiev, Warsaw and
Prague.
Paul Judelson
Thanks to Paul Judelson, I can't but agree as for "the best in Russian art isn't always in Moscow". We are waiting for video art show here as well. I also hope that cultural links between Moscow and St.Petersburg would strengthen - as with the rest of the world.
Art Moscow 96
Organized by Expo-Park
Central House of Artists Exhibition Hall
May 31 to June 6, 1996
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Paul Judelson -- judelson@thing.net
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