The smiles from the faces of the participants already went long — in 2009. But life has not stopped. There was even promising moments. But this time I left with the feeling that autumn 2016-го for many will be the last in the status of participants

In principle, after this the title of the article on the results of a Salon, you have nothing to write — and so everything is clear.

— bad?
— Yes, it's bad.
— Visitors a little?
— Yes, there are few visitors.
— Buyers even less?
— Buyers not at all.
— what is the reason?

Responses to the question about the reasons for the unsuccessful Salon, it would seem, lie on the surface:

1. Falling purchasing power of the masses in General and collectors in particular.

2. The insecurity of all and most importantly those who still retained the most purchasing power.

3. The number of those wishing-то to buy much less quantity wishing that-то to sell.

do you Think so said the participants of the Salon?

and here and there.

They first raised the problem of Parking. It turns out almost like a classic, but his people ruined the housing problem, and in this case, the buyer crippled Parking. Not too easy explanation for complex processes in the country and in Moscow? The case when the trees hide the forest. Of course, difficulties with Parking, the lack of advertising and other standard set of claims against the organizers of the Salon is justified. Of course, to defend the entry to the CHA half-два hours could not all, and many, prognuvshis, launched their Lexus and Mercedes away from the queue.

But who can claim? Is it only the CHA? And around the centre of Moscow it not so? Instead of Parking — what-то endless Cycling paths, on which no one rides, and broad sidewalks that no one walks. And as a result, close to shops, restaurants and offices. This is our brother antiquary not outraged? No need to mix, tell me what-нибудь cheers-патриот. Isn't this for the benefit of Muscovites? Isn't that Moscow has become more beautiful? And tube? Let's shout the same cheers-патриот: Moscow drove 30 % better, it is a pity the prices are small for Parking appointed to raise three-fold, so Moscow would all flew. This cheers-патриоту I could recount an interesting conversation with one turned out to be a very knowledgeable person that occurred exactly three years ago.

He said to me:
— Center will do for his.
— In terms of? —, I did not understand. — Force all relocated, and the entry was forbidden?
— No. Why? Will make everything expensive and inconvenient — that do everything and move.

After this conversation, the promise of V. V. Bychkov, Director, Central house of artists, free for life be allowed to participate in the Salon who will help with Parking, seem to be greed. There is not free entry offer is necessary, and a share in the business. If nothing changes, then not only the Salons stall, but the lion's share of the landlords will move out of the CHA, and conversations are already underway.

The Salon.

the First thing that changed customary complaints of life, — is the conclusion: "the More we are in the Salons to do". Yeah, that's categorical. No complaints about life and the subjunctive "Will strongly think, whether to take part in the next", but so sharply: "Enough, enough". Given the fact that this, 41-м Salon, we have missed some eternal, these words of refusal are not an empty threat. And why participate, if there are no buyers? To communicate with each other? By the way, why not have intercourse during the week with peers is also useful, but not for the money. The average stand in the VIP-зоне the second floor costs about $10,000, and for the money now people are not ready to communicate. Ready for what? — $2000-3000. So those who are still-таки are considering participation in the following Salons say that will certainly reduce your exposure.

And much much less? And so from Salon to Salon painting less and less. Applied and porcelain from year to year, eat space on the second floor. Maybe it should be? Maybe, well it, this painting? Moreover, according to some stories, porcelain and PDI (and of course, jewelry) everything was just good. Stipulate, however, that we are talking about an expensive, designer porcelain in a serious price range from several tens (and even hundreds) of thousands of dollars per item, in the budget-то the range of $500-1 500 too, it was sad.

But back to the painting. What participants say about the sales? "Russian art of zero, the Soviet slightly-чуть, the European nearly zero." Brilliant phrase, but I would like specifics. What do you mean "zero," and that means "a little-чуть"? "Zero" — is a few sales to $20-40 thousand, and then only to its customers, which for me managed to bring to the stand. "A little-чуть Soviet" — is 5-7 sales up to $3000 (or rather, up to $2000) each, and again exclusively to its customers. Wasn't there anything bigger? Unknown. But in addition to hearing what-то sold Aivazovsky, nothing more. Barely managed to get the size — is small in the area of 30-50 cm, and with even great difficulty to inquire the price — to $100 000.

And that's all.

All?

Yes, all.

Conclusions. The salon is not just one of the worst, and the worst over the past eight years.

On the question to the participants "Why do you think that is wrong? Why the situation in the antique business has what-то different from the situation in the country?" as a rule, followed by the answer: "Relying on a miracle."

But the miracle, unfortunately, did not happen.

Instead of miracles echo the words of another classic: "no money but you keep"...

so hold on...

Babulin Constantine, AI