Russians rockin' the art world; free from the Communist confines of the former Soviet Union and no longer isolated from the world's ever-growing, ever-evolving arts scene, artists in Russia are capturing the art world's attention and imagination

Art Business News, July, 2005 by Klint Callaghan

Mark Muller, co-owner of Kennebeck Editions in Louisville, CO, explains that "with the economics involved, artists from eastern Europe in general are much happier to be making a living as artists ... they are very grateful for their success and are driven."

Muller represents Dimitri Danish, a classically trained painter born in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Danish captures cityscapes and landscapes packed with dense, narrative scenes. He is fascinated with color and light, and how they play off of one another in doorways, windows, alleyways, and landscapes. This concentration with bold colors, regardless of subject matter, is what initially caught Muller's eye. "Perhaps it's a response to the long, cold winters, but I've noticed that Dimitri paints with bright colors, whether it's a figurative piece or a beautiful landscape," says Muller. Danish has traveled throughout Europe since the opening of the Russian borders, and is capturing the architecture and people of cultures he only dreamed of seeing as a child.

Collectors of Russian Art

Isolating characteristics of Russian art collectors is of particular interest to dealers trying to break into this growing market. Collectors of Russian art seem to have a particularly high appreciation for craftsmanship, a trait that is highly coveted by gallery owners.

"Tastes are shifting towards more conservative, and our collectors relate to the timelessness of Russian art," says Mark Muller"They are looking for a piece of art that can be purchased today, and in 10 or 20 years will still hold the same appeal." This return to an appreciation of craftsmanship and technical ability seems to be echoed among other professionals in the field.

Turner-Carroll has found a similar characteristic in the collectors who purchase Melnikov's works. "Collectors of Igor's work are confident, sensitive collectors. They are people who have the confidence to pursue their goals in business as well as in collecting art, and they are usually people who follow their dreams without regard to what might be 'cool' or 'trendy.'"

A more global perspective also seems to be common among these individuals. Rann Shinar says that, "collectors of Sergey Smirnov's work have deeper cultural and international interests. They are interested in history and artistic culture and traditions, they admire the heroic and are drawn to the romantic."

The artists who were influenced by the drama and intrigue of the Cold War-era Russia are making a huge impact on collectors and investors. With the level of momentum behind this new Russian influence in the art market, savvy dealers are taking full advantage of the trend. As Mark Muller explains, "I feel a hunger for good art at the moment, people aren't looking for gimmicks; they want timeless art that they can live with."

Russian art is a proven way to fill that niche, and is capturing the hearts and the minds of new collectors.

For reprints of this article, call 800-867-9285, ext. 5503.

SOURCES

* Brown Barn Publishing, 831-626-0933 www.brownbarnpublishing.com