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News from the art front:
The «Barbarian Art Gallery» in Zurich

Natasha Akhmerova, Gallery Director, Barbarian Art Gallery in Zurich

change.ch
Natasha, what makes the Barbarian Art Gallery unique?

Natasha Akhmerova
What makes us unique is the representation of contemporary and post-modern Russian art. It is not comprehensively represented in Zurich. There are some galleries in Switzerland dealing with established and renowned Russian artists. As to the emerging and mid-career artists, who enjoy popularity in Russia but are hardly known outside its boundaries, there are practically none represented in Switzerland. I know what is happening in the Russian art scene, how vibrant and dynamic it is, how many talented artists there are, and I would like to introduce them to the Western audience.

How come Western countries have not yet recognized the potential of these artists?

One reason is that Russian-Soviet art existed for about 70 years in a unique situation: there was art but no art market, and artists had to follow the dogmas of the party in their art. On top of that, their academic training was profound and long, resulting in a very high level of mastership. Only with the removal of the party control and opening of the borders the results of exuberance of ideas, an eruption of creativity amongst the artists became available beyond Russian borders.

Why did you choose Zurich? Where is the connection between artists from Zurich and from Russia?

I chose Zurich for many reasons. Logistically, Zurich is the centre of Europe. Historically, Zurich has a strong connection with Russian culture (i.e. Dada) and has always had a reputation for being open-minded. Zurich is rapidly turning into a cosmopolitan city where people of various cultures mix easily. Last but not least, Switzerland is the home place of the most important event in the art world – the Art Basel.

You are successfully promoting Russian newcomers. Natasha, please tell us the secret of your success.

Promoting young artists is not easy. It requires a lot of determination and devotion. It is also important to have a feeling for art, a good eye. What I present in my gallery - in the long run - boils down to my taste. I truly believe in my artists and I am sure that success will follow. Quite simply, the secret of success is hard work and a firm conviction in what one is doing.

We live in very dynamic times. What do you associate the word «change» with?

With everyday life.

Finally our «change» question: If you had all the power in the world, which global change would you realise?

I would make reconciliation between warring nations possible and eliminate poverty. 

Interview by change.ch, May 2009