Alina Pinsky opened her eponymous gallery in Moscow in 2017. Specialising in modern and contemporary collectible design and abstract art, she is credited with making design popular amongst collectors in Russia. As galleries have reopened in Moscow, and as Alina opens a new solo exhibition of works by prominent Russian artist Francisco Infante, we spoke to Alina about her career, opening her gallery and her latest exhibition.
When did you first know that you wanted to pursue a career in the art world?
Art was one of my main interests since my early youth. We had many art books at home and that was a big mystery for me, a little girl, why people in Picasso’s portraits featured triangle heads, and why those travesties from Nan Goldin’s photos seemed so cool.
I realized that I won’t be an artist quite early. At the age of fifteen I visited the first art fair in my life. That had a big impression, so I went there twice. I was wondering how those people lived and worked side by side with masterpieces. The decision was made – I started to study the history of art.
How was your experience opening your gallery?
At the beginning I had to struggle to be taken seriously – like it often happens to a young woman. But it came quite quickly.
Which Russian artists and designers should we have on our radar?
Mikhaïl Chernyshov, Tim Parchikov, Evgeny Muzalevski, Dunya Zakharova.
What is the art scene like in Moscow?
It depends how you compare. Actually, quite dynamic, while still away from the major «silky ways » of art. But we are definitely gaining fast.
How did you adapt to the global lockdowns?
I believe the current situation has both negative and positive effects. We are bored without and hungry for art, traveling and offline international communication. At the same time it’s good for the local market – collectors look at Russian artists, big consumers spend more money here.
Can you tell us about your new exhibition of Francisco Infante’s work?
Infante is a very important Russian artist with a really unique creative method. You can’t say these words about many of our artist compatriots. He is always exploring this infinity metaphors to create new Artifact series that he began as back as in the 1970s. In the new cycle « Towards night » you see the recognizable Infante, but very fresh. Without knowing his age you would think it’s made by a young artist.
What are your plans and hopes for the future?
My brave hopes are backing up my ambitious plans.
Francisco Infante: Artifacts at Alina Pinsky Gallery runs until late April
