for the October auction house antique cabin «SOVKOM» back auction «Triumph of socialist realism», which aroused keen interest and has been remarkably successful, despite the crisis, autumnal mood of the market. During the preparations for the auction and its outcome, many participants have followed the forum ARTinvestment.RU. At the backlog has kindly agreed to answer questions the Director of the auction house «SOVKOM» Yuri Tyuhtin.

ARTinvestment.RU : Eyewitnesses present at the antique cabin, telling that the exposition «SOVKOMA» was great success, plus a good sale. This marked contrast with the sales of most participants. Long Does it? And the explanation of such high public interest in socialist realism?

Yuri Tyuhtin : In the exhibit, all items were of museum quality on the market in such numbers as we have in the auction, I think, in general, attended for the first time. It is therefore understandable reaction of professional collectors, they, by definition, could not buy, was just a question of price. In this case, the classical socialist realism thing 1950-60-ies have been sold, because they drew the attention of «heavy» buyers. At the salon, they would not even notice them. People have to spend money. Something is not able to buy. Consequently, and acquired the other subjects.

AI : How would you rate the structure of buyers «SOVKOMa»? Who are they in the first place: collectors or investors? What more?

T. : According to the structure we have buyers and collectors, collectors and investors. Now, in a crisis, investors in this market will not be people who want to place some funds into works of art in our country. Unlike the West the number of negligible.

AI : When working with Western auction houses, buyers observe the high complexity of the return procedure works, the authenticity of which caused a reasonable doubt of the Russian experts. The work can be returned, but the difficult and lossy. As the matter be settled in «SOVKOMe»? How should the buyer that purchased the work it took back?

T. : I do not want to comment on the work of western auction houses. To the buyer was able to return to work, bought from us, it must be good reason. I can assure you that over the 5 years of work we do not have any unresolved conflict cases. Can you disclose the matter in your body. It will be interesting to communicate in person, if someone has any claim for refund of the auction house «SOVKOM».

AI : What is your prediction about the extent of the impact of financial crisis on the Russian market of art? Which direction are most vulnerable? And what advice can be given to customers and investors?

T. : The impact of financial crisis, especially since next year will be very significant. The second and third terms, I think it will be very difficult to sell. Things first name and the quality of the museum will be in demand, but the number of transactions has fallen significantly. Customers and Investors Council has hoard cash.

AI : How do you assess the dynamics of growth of prices for works of socialist realism comparable grades in the past two years? What are your projections for future price movements?

T. : In the best works of socialist realism prices increased 100-200 percent per year, and confirmed the auction «The triumph of socialist realism». All of the top lots 4-5 years ago, read on the art market and cost 5-10 times cheaper. I am glad that I managed to trace the transaction, some of them I was not involved, but knew who bought the work. From the proposal to sell them on the new price level is almost no one refused.

AI : Who is by far the largest collectors of socialist realism?

T. : this information, sorry, do not even share with their employees. All major leading clients personally.

AI : buy socialist realism, institutional investors and banks (Russian or Western)?

T. : Over the past four years in the corporate collections, we have sold about 1 000 works. I hope that the current orders in the coming year will persist.

AI : The upcoming sale of the lot «Running girl» sparked sharp debate in the Forum. In particular, participants were divided opinions on the attribution, and felt a lack of information on this work. Now, after the phenomenal sales, you can comment on this situation?

T. : During the work Deineka traded four major collector. Of course, taking such a decision, they studied the work personally, and the present, and experts and art dealers with experience. Since most of the time expensive work in the depository, orders for such views were in advance, in the last month. Unfortunately, your experts, which give indicators of investment risk (the work of «Running girl» Site ARTinvestment.RU experts gave the red indicator. - Ed .), We have not seen live. Apparently, their professional level allows them to draw conclusions from photographs. On all roads top lots in this auction, we conclude sales contracts with the relevant financial guarantees. Therefore, our position in public, transparent and safe for customers - probably why we have and buy more.

AI : How many participants was beating for the lots at auction «Triumph of socialist realism»?

T. : 52 registered party, trade 46.

AI : Is there a guaranteed sale of paintings at auctions?

T. : We do not give guarantees for the sale of principal and, if the thing we are interested, we offer a price in advance, which can redeem it if it will not be sold at auction.

AI : How do you feel about the fact that experts on the art and are held legally liable for expert opinions?

T. : Positive. However, in Russia in the next 10 years is unrealistic.

AI : If you have to create an affiliate auction house «SOVKOM» in another region (for example, in the city of Sochi)?

T. : In the next two years - no. In the next five - yes. Most likely, the branch will be opened in St. Petersburg, but perhaps it will be an international project. Such proposals come to us.

AI : What is the main criterion for selection of paintings on the Masthead auctions?

T. : The main criteria - the confidence that we can sell this thing for the start price. We strive to bring commercially the right thing - «tasty».

AI : What are the interesting thematic auctions «SOVKOM» waiting for us at the end of 2008 and into 2009?

T. : Case-auctions will be required if we will see that the spring selling is not falling, the fall will make the project «From Illich Illich before», that something like «the triumph of socialist realism», but with a different set of names.

AI : Who are the experts, the auction house «SOVKOM», and they are guided by, taking pictures at the auction?

T. : In this catalog all the experts listed. Usually look that took and sent a week, and peer filter out material.

AI : There is an opinion that set PDI (china) has been slow. What it involves? Inflated prices? The general lack of interest? Will you continue the practice sets PDI auctions «SOVKOM»?

T. : For porcelain agree. I think that starts were vysokovaty. Five subjects managed to sell during posleauktsionnyh sales at lower prices. Naturally, the PDI will work.

And finally: All are welcome to the next direct sale on 6 November. Owners «want to eliminate the» private collection. Many of starts will be relatively low.

Interview Constantine organized Babulin