Zhukova Facing Facts in Moscow

The future of the art market rests upon the expansion of wealth and stability in the so-called emerging markets. By no means a foregone conclusion in these challenging and uncertain times. What will become of any of these regions remains to be seen though the long-term energy needs of the planet suggest equilibrium will return. While we wait for those economies to find their natural level, we can only wonder what role art will play. Which is why the continuing efforts of Dasha Zhukova to promote Contemporary art using commercial resources is noteworthy. The Times of London thinks so too:

Daria Zhukova has opened the largest contemporary art show ever staged in Moscow in an exhibition that she hopes will inspire a wave of Russian creativity.

A Certain State of the World showcases work by 33 contemporary artists from the collection of the French entrepreneur François Pinault. It is being staged at the Garage, a vast former bus depot that Ms Zhukova has transformed into a centre for contemporary culture with the support of Mr Abramovich, 42.

The billionaire has earned thanks as a sponsor of the show, which runs for three months. It is Ms Zhukova, 27, however, who is emerging as a significant patron of modern art in Moscow. “The Moscow public needs, in a way, an introduction to contemporary art and doing a group show is a really great stepping stone,” she said.

A giant skull fashioned from kitchen utensils dominates the entrance to the exhibition. The piece, Very Hungry God, by the Indian artist Subodh Gupta, is reminiscent of the diamond-encrusted skull For the Love of God, by Damien Hirst. [ . . . ]

However, with even Russian oligarchs humbled by the financial crisis, she acknowledged that she had been forced to plan cheaper exhibitions. “The Garage will survive,” she said. “There is a lot of great art that is not as costly to bring to Russia.”