13th Art Moscow: quality and stability regardless crisis
For the first time in 13 years, ART MOSCOW changed season and in 2009 it took place concurrently with the 3rd Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art. Nevertheless, ART MOSCOW was important, autonomous commercial event for the contemporary art market, and not just a part of another program. It was united with the Biennale for a greater public response and for convenience of international participants at a time of world economic crisis.
Regardless of the fact that Biennale will not be held next year, ART MOSCOW is officially shifted to September, and in 2010 it will be held on September 22 – 26.
The curtailment of participants, numbering 40 this year (27 Russian and 13 foreign) was compensated for by special programs and events. And it still did not influence the traditionally strict selection rules for potential Fair participants. The Organizers would like to point out the events of special interest: a round table discussion of the Openspace portal, an exposition of the private the collection of developer Alexander Reznikov, happening of Tadzhiks-Art, personal exhibition of the the Ukrainian painters Alexander Roitbourd, Alexander Gnilitsky and Maksim Mamsikov, and the exposition “The Art of Fast Response” from the “Fast Art” project.
From 2009, in conformity with the practice of international art fairs, ART MOSCOW has declined the tradition of announcing the profit of the works sold.
Preview 22.09.2009
For the last three years, the Fair has successfully cooperated with top-quality concierge service companies. In cooperation with the Russian representation of Quintessenttially, a popular format of closed preview was put into practice in 2007 and 2008. This year, traditional preview before the official opening, organized together with the private club Prime Concept, gave notable club members a unique opportunity to enjoy contemporary art in close circle, or even incognito.
Press opinion regarding the 13th ART MOSCOW Fair was traditionally positive:
Art Moscow number 13 is an optimistic event: life proceeds, painters work, galleries still exist. Vedomosti 24.09.2009
The changed format brought satisfaction to all participants. The quality of the Fair has grown, despite the diminished list of participants. Art+Auction, 09.09
Expositions at Art Moscow are considerate, adjusted and agreeable as never before. NG-Antrakt, 25.09.09
About 40 galleries from 13 countries at Art Moscow 2009 is a common event, not likely connected with the economic situation in the world. From the very beginning Moscow Fair claims for the elitist rather than mass character by all means format. Gazeta.ru 24.09.09
PR post release / September 2009
Additional information
Elena Lopatina
Press Department
EXPO-PARK Exhibition Projects
+7 (495) 657 99 22, ext.129
