Source : christies.com


Peter Paul Rubens Samson and Delilah . 1608
Christie's. 10.07.2014
Estimate: 1,5-2,5 million pounds
Source : Press Release Christie's

Traditional April shows, which were held in Moscow, the leading auction home on the eve of the London " Russian week" this time will not take place . Previously scheduled exhibition in the Russian capital did not bring any Christie's, nor Sotheby's. Bonhams, say , will not bring too . Distinct reasons no one calls . Nod , in particular on the insurance companies that are reluctant to take on abstract political risks. Like it or not actually - anyone can think what he wants. Someone has the right to believe that business decisions instead of the auction houses take their insurers . And someone can be considered more elegant conspiracy theories .

But when we recently speculated about how affect economic sanctions on Russian art market (see « How will the economic sanctions on Russian art market ? Hypotheses ARTinvestment.RU »), then to such exotic sanctions we , frankly, do not even guessed . No matter how absurd, but those on - happened. From 11 to 14 April in Moscow was held Christie's , but she did not held . So it's time to consider how the new practice of "cultural sanctions ' impact on market participants .

clear that by Western sanctions on such auctions from a commercial point of view - no good . Secured customers have long learned to personally inspect items alive , and even in the company of experts. Do it in Moscow was convenient. And everyone has this taught . Therefore overestimate the ability of buyers in the midst of the business season to collect and knowledgeable people to drive all together in London to see the picture, it is hardly worth . Someone slips and someone lazy . Time and effort , too, is not limitless. So , some interesting options will be missed. This - the first problem .

second problem from the abolition of exhibitions - missed a wonderful occasion for maintaining relationships with existing customers Moscow . After predpokaz - it is also a great occasion for the organizers to remind myself and upcoming auctions. To abandon it would be too presumptuous. Send invitations collectors call for an official reception - all important elements of the relationship . Then we will come or not come , but the catalog is likely to look . And without this, people can twist and churn elementary trades miss the bus . But guess what - will soon see how justified are these fears .

clear that whoever took the decision to cancel shows, but from a business perspective on this situation does not benefit anybody.

can we expect this situation from other PR losses? You can, but symbolic . Viewers and ordinary art lovers liked these shows . But the media interest in the pre-show declining in recent years . The first time exotic and secular subsequently turned these devices into regular routine activities of commercial organizations . With advertising watch brands , other cross- in promotion and other tasks quite pragmatic . Therefore, getting the cameras every year less. A press coverage increasingly forced. It's not ok criticism - just such a natural development. Honestly, if not an article of colleagues in The Art Newspaper Russia , then undo many hits at all would have passed unnoticed. And for us , by the way , too .

Why ? Because for internal Russian art market situation in western auctions becoming less indicative . Auction "west" and our "east" increasingly diverge. And oh, how it happened long before the annexation of the Crimea . If in the period 2003-2008, the results of Western trades were the signal for our domestic market, with approximately 2009, all is not so. That is in London can be regularly updated records (which, incidentally , happens ), and our internal Russian art market was at this as a crisis in a slow and remains. Today it's like two unrelated world .

here and answer the question: will there after the abolition of Western pre-auction exhibition in Russia to buy more ? That is, can we expect the effect of " import substitution " and the sudden shift collectors to purchase domestically? Already own ridiculous. It would certainly be nice . But, unfortunately , this will not happen soon . Those who live here , going to exhibitions in the best national museums, but used to buy Russian art in London - are unlikely to change their habits and reasonable. It's a question of pragmatics : London is the better choice , better infrastructure to ensure transactions less prying eyes , there is the problem of cross-border movements . Another thing is that the more inconveniences created in Moscow , the lower the motivation of the buyers .

so it turns on solid circle nonsense . Who benefits - is unclear. Times have not returned Crimeans Scythian gold , and then from Moscow can expect similar ? What are you, really ... Harms, and only. Hopefully , next year auctions with his exhibitions still come . Well, separation, say , only strengthens the feeling .

Vladimir Bogdanov , AI
Konstantin Babulin , AI