Thesis Topic
1. Contemporary Orthodox Art: Developing and Testing a Curatorial Representation Model through an Auction Format
Startup: A curatorial expertise agency specializing in organizing specialized fine art auctions for cultural institutions.
MVP: A pre-auction exhibition featuring 10–15 artists, complete with a catalog, expert curation, and a subsequent auction with actual sales.
Development Potential: A series of thematic auctions, engagement with private collectors, and expansion into other institutions and art forms.
The project addresses the issue of the standing of contemporary Orthodox art within the current art world. Works connected to the Orthodox tradition are often viewed primarily through their religious content, iconography, or ties to church culture. However, their artistic language, authorial strategies, and viability within the modern art market demand separate consideration.
The core of the project is to develop a curatorial representation model that allows contemporary Orthodox art to be presented simultaneously as a religiously informed and an autonomous artistic statement.
A unique aspect of this project is using the auction not merely as a sales mechanism, but as a tool for public presentation, expert evaluation, and integration into collecting practices.
The pre-auction exhibition establishes the artistic and research context, while the subsequent bidding allows us to test audience interest in this segment of art.
Proposed Venue
The cultural space «Antipa”—located near the church of the martyr Antipus, Moscow.
„Antipa“ presents a unique interest as a space where Orthodox tradition intersects with contemporary urban culture. Realizing this project here will allow us to investigate how contemporary Orthodox art is perceived in close proximity to a religious institution, yet outside the actual liturgical space.
Alternative Venue: A private contemporary art gallery in Moscow. In this scenario, the focus shifts to integrating Orthodox art into a secular exhibition and market context.
