Igor Makarevich, an artist, painter, author of objects and installations, one of the leading Moscow conceptualism representatives, was the next who answered the questions by Boris Manner, senior curator of Stella Art Foundation.
1. The Foundation did a lot over the 20 years of its work. How would you like to evaluate it and what can you say about the Foundation’s role in the development of Russian contemporary art?
In my opinion, the fresh established Foundation has quickly chosen the right art trend after a short time of uncertainty: Moscow conceptual art. All twenty years that followed clearly showed the Foundation’s dedication to its choice which helped to preserve the most distinct and prospective vector movement in the development of Russian contemporary art.
2. What exhibitions and projects of the Foundation you consider to be the most impressive?
I would mention in this connection the exhibition of Andrei Monastyrski and other immaculate Venice biennale projects, which properly displayed Russian contemporary art.
3. The Foundation has changed its location and will open the new space in Mercury Tower. The new venue is almost 10 times larger than the space on Skaryatinsky, which allows the Foundation to embody any wide-ranging project with its own resources. What are your expectations and what would you like to advise to the Foundation’s team regarding these changes?
That is the most difficult question. Of course, the opening of the new premises is an important and prospective thing. Let’s hope it will bring countless successes to Russian art. But the most important fact is that our young generation of artists has entered a kind of crisis period. Will this generation overcome it and then move to the next level? Nobody knows. Stella Art Foundation’s new space and its professional team together create an environment, which guarantees progress. Now, it is only a question: who will turn the key with a short, but crucial move to open this door? It also remains unclear.
