Through the Eyes of Russia: HSE University Art and Design Graduates Exhibit Their Works in London

© HSE Art and Design School

Until December 21, the Camden Image Gallery in London will host the exhibition ‘Through the Eyes of Russia’ organized by Viola Sevostianova, graduate of the Master’s Programme in Contemporary Art, and her Parrot Fine Art online platform for artists.

The exhibition aims to showcase young Russian modern artists in the international art market, as well as present the experiences and values of Russian creators to a London audience.

Featured artists include graduates of the Master’s Programme in Contemporary Art Viola Sevostianova, Elizaveta Glushkova, Dasha Maltseva and Olya Avstreyh.

Through the Eyes of Russia is dedicated to various problems faced by Russian creators. Each artist’s work deals with their experiences, social issues, and matters of self-identification in modern society.

Dasha Maltseva, artist and graduate in Contemporary Art

‘Two of my works are on show at the exhibition: “Don’t talk to me I’m crying” and “A ring of salt will protect you.” They are written in very free and candid language so that visitors can see and feel the paintings at the same time. This exhibition has given me a chance to communicate with a wider audience, which is very important to me now.’

Viola Sevostianova, graduate of the Master’s Programme in Contemporary Art and curator of the exhibition

‘This exhibition results from my experience taking part in various exhibitions and competitions, as well as the search for a gallery for young artists whose biggest problem is a lack of understanding of the foreign art market. Things like learning the rules of participation in exhibitions, transporting artworks, and dealing with participation costs can often be overwhelming for artists. I wanted to simplify these processes. Looking at myself and my peers, I realized that it is often difficult for young people to earn a living through their art, when their occupation should generate them money and new opportunities.’

At the end of June 2021, Viola outlined what she wanted to see from her dream platform: it should provide the most comfortable conditions for artists to exhibit and promote their work. ‘I found a developer and started creating a website, a platform that had to be as simple and understandable as possible. That’s how Parrot Fine Art came about—it gives artists opportunities to take part in foreign exhibitions,’ Viola explains.

Within six months of setting up the platform, Viola and her team had entered into negotiations with Sotheby’s auction house, which rated the Parrot Fine art project highly and became its partner. Sotheby’s offers courses at its Institute of Art to the winners of open calls arranged by Viola.

The ‘Through the Eyes of Russia’ exhibition is being held at the Camden Image Gallery in London from December 3–21, 2021. Admission is free. All works presented at the exhibition are available for purchase.

Artists: Marusya Borisova-Sevastyanova, Ira Mir, The Frym, Alisher Kushakov, Kirill Kto, Yulia Kerner, Margarita Godgelf, Luda Foresman, Viola Sevostianova, Elizaveta Glushkova, Dasha Maltseva, Olya Avstreyh, Masha Danilovskaia, Andrey Shustalov.

Curator: Viola Sevostianova

During their studies, students of the HSE University Art and Design School programme in Contemporary Art gain constant experience of practice, experimentation, and participation in group and individual exhibitions at the HSE ART GALLERY and independent venues. Graduates go on to become professional artists working in various genres and formats of contemporary art.

Artist Vladimir Dubossarsky is the Director of the Contemporary Art programme.

THE CONTEMPORARY ART PROGRAMME