International Projects of KVARTIRA S Gallery
What are the gallery’s international exhibition projects?
Our exhibition projects, international ones included, are an original way to introduce viewers and connoisseurs to the work of promising contemporary artists. The originality of our approach lies in preferring a format in which visitors can not only explore the exhibition and purchase a painting, but also learn something new, meet artists and creative people, and simply enjoy a wonderful time with the whole family surrounded by works of art. We strive to create a celebration for artists and guests alike. An event must become a cherished memory: for the creator it is fresh inspiration, and for the guest a reason to take an interest in the art on view and to return to our gallery’s exhibitions, perhaps more than once.
Guests at the vernissage “Autumn in Provence”, October 2016
For example, at the previous vernissage in Provence, in a restaurant overlooking the sea at the hotel “La Farandole”, guests had the unique opportunity to converse with Salvador Dalí’s pupil Geneviève Canto, to drink champagne to the accompaniment of the celebrated French pianist Paul Lelouch, and to meet the screenwriter Patrice Garcia.
With screenwriters Sylvia and Patrice Garcia and Yuri Gagarin’s interpreter Georges Klimoff
Of course, all this festivity is preceded by weeks of hard work: creating the conditions for artists to live and work, developing the concept from idea to detailed scenario, inviting special guests, and organizing every moment of the event from first to last. All the paintings on display are created on site over the course of several weeks. For the artists it is, in a sense, a challenge, a trial, a test of their potential. We do everything we can so that everything fosters inspiration and nothing hinders creation: we choose the most beautiful locations for plein-air sessions in advance, arrange interesting meetings, and discuss ideas. You know, sometimes we even “shoo away” curious passers-by so they do not disturb the artist’s peace while at work!
Gallery artist Olga Mashkina painting en plein air in Provence
Why do you organize international exhibition projects?
Contemporary Russian art needs to be developed, promoted, and shown. And for that, exhibitions must be staged. In France the autumn vernissage and the works of Olga Mashkina were received with interest, surprise, admiration, and joy. For foreign visitors our project was rather intriguing: we showed them what is everyday life for them — life in Provence — through the eyes of a young Russian artist. Many were struck by the variety of subjects, the presentation, Olga’s excellent technique, and her creative productivity. It seems to me that for her it was a breakthrough, a step up to a new level. That is another reason we organize such projects. By immersing the artist in new conditions, “concentrating” around them various sources of inspiration, and creating the most comfortable setting possible, I believe we open in them a kind of “creative chakra.”
Gallery artist Olga Mashkina painting en plein air in Provence
And of course one should not forget the exchange of experience with foreign colleagues. We strive to arrange meetings and master classes with artists and creative people of the region.
A visit to the Academy of Arts in Bandol. Salvador Dalí’s pupil Geneviève Canto at work, beside her pupil Marie Klimoff. The “Autumn in Provence” project
Olga Mashkina in the studio of Salvador Dalí’s pupil Geneviève Canto
How can an artist become a participant in an international project?
Any artist can take part in any of our projects — amateur or professional. The only condition is to be a gallery artist, which means first sending several works to us by email at info@kvartiras.com. If your paintings appeal to the gallery team, which includes art historians and decorators as well as people not directly connected with art, we will gladly invite you to join our projects.
Preparing the “Autumn in Provence” exhibition, meeting the local press
For longer trips we select artists with an eye to the nature and atmosphere of the place where we plan to hold the exhibition, as well as to our concept for the project. In autumn, gallery artist Olga Mashkina flew to France for plein-air work. We knew that Olga paints seascapes well, makes urban sketches, and portrays charismatic characters, so we had no doubt she would succeed with narrow streets, autumn vineyards, and boats in the harbour. The result was a magnificent exhibition of heartfelt paintings about sun, wine, and the unhurried Provençal way of life. And every work found its way into private collections at once.
Olga Mashkina’s painting “Pétanque,” created for the “Autumn in Provence” project (in a private collection)
Now, in spring, we are taking to the sea Slava Likhachyov and Katya Pugachyova. Their technique and the mood of their paintings are quite different from Olga’s. The theme will be challenging but inspiring — “Cinema in Provence”. And that is wonderful: the exhibition will be different from the previous one, yet, we are sure, no less worthy of attention!
Who knows — next time we may invite to an international project an artist working in the Art Nouveau or pop-art style. We are open to any art.
Olga Mashkina’s painting “L'arbre de rêves,” created for the “Autumn in Provence” project (in a private collection)
How much does an artist pay to take part in a project?
For artists our travel projects are valuable experience, impressions, a chance to express themselves and show their work; for some people they are a fine opportunity to acquire a painting and invest in contemporary art. These people — investors — cover all the financial costs of flights, accommodation, and the artists’ plein-air outings. In return the artists give them a portion of the paintings they create. One might call it an exchange. The remaining works are sold at the exhibition, and the artist receives payment for them.
Working days. Paintings drying.
We are deeply grateful to our investors and truly happy that their ranks continue to grow. For it means that our work is noticed, that our artists are valued, and that people believe in their art.
The ceremonial part of the “Autumn in Provence” vernissage at the hotel “La Farandole”
And of course we are very fortunate in our hosts — thank you to the hotel “La Farandole” for making its spaces available for our exhibitions for a second year running and for helping with every organizational detail.
How can one attend an exhibition or vernissage?
Admission to all our exhibitions and celebrations is free. Come with family or friends — we will gladly introduce you to our artists and their work. 
Press and guests at the “Autumn in Provence” vernissage
What international projects are planned for the future?
From 15 April to 14 May at the hotel “La Farandole” (Sanary-sur-Mer) we are organizing the exhibition project “Cinema in Provence”. Over two weeks two gallery artists — Slava Likhachyov and Katya Pugachyova — will paint places that appear in French cinema and their impressions of films about Provence. On 22 April, on the hotel’s picturesque open terrace overlooking the sea, there will be a master class and a friendly meeting with students of the Academy of Arts in Bandol and with the Academy’s founder, Salvador Dalí’s pupil Geneviève Canto. On 29 April the exhibition will open — a vernissage with a guest of honour: artist and Cousteau team cameraman André Laban, who will bring ten of his underwater paintings. As always, it will be a great celebration with a guided tour of the exhibition, musical performances, interesting encounters, and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Details can be found on our website.
Participants in the “Cinema in Provence” project: gallery artists Slava Likhachyov and Katya Pugachyova and underwater painter, Cousteau team engineer André Laban. April 2017
Over the next few months we plan to carry out another international exhibition project. This time it will not be France. And for now it remains a secret. We promise to surprise you and to present to Russian and international audiences the work of a new talented artist!
Olga Mashkina’s painting “Au Château de Pibarnon,” created in Provence (in a private collection). October 2016
More about the “Autumn in Provence” project. October 2016
More about the “Cinema in Provence” project. April 2017