Anna Nova Gallery On St Petersburg’s Dynamic Art Scene
The artists, the galleries, the neighbourhoods: Here’s where to tap the essence of Piter’s creative scene
Having historically nurtured a bank of creative genii that counts Pushkin, Dostoyevsky, Fabergé and Tchaikovsky among its protégés, St Petersburg is no stranger to immense talent. Fast forward to its contemporary creative scene, and Russia’s capital of culture continues to compete fiercely in the global art market. Anna Nova Gallery is one of the city’s most exciting independent art spaces. It puts on a compelling rotation of exhibitions that star both rising and established local names, veering from experimental film to massive installations. Here, Anna Nova Gallery’s Sasha Karpova shares the names to note in St Petersburg’s art scene and what we can look forward to seeing at the gallery in the coming months.
How would you describe St Petersburg’s contemporary art scene?
Wild, poetic, democratic and dynamic. It’s attracting a lot of investment right now.
Who are the most exciting local artists to watch?
The wildest art group for consistently provocative and deeply engaging work has to be North-7. Alexander Dashevskiy is Russia’s best contemporary figurative painter, and for abstract paintings, Vlad Kulkov is incredibly talented. Keep an eye on Egor Kraft for his recent contributions to media art. For photography, Uldus Bakhtiozina’s captures are simply outstanding.
Are there any other galleries in St Petersburg that you admire?
We recommend a visit to our good friends, Marina Gisich Gallery, where you can enjoy a new solo photography show by Peter Belyi.
What does an ideal day off in St Petersburg look like?
Start your day exploring the Hermitage Museum, enjoying its incredible collection of masterpieces. Then take a walk to visit some of the city’s contemporary art galleries, including Anna Nova Gallery, of course. There are usually some local artists in the galleries that you can meet and chat to. A perfect end to the day would be on a boat trip beneath the open bridges.
Where can visitors experience the real spirit of St Petersburg?
To really feel the spirit of the city, you should visit the Hermitage. There’s also a magnificent collection of the Russian avant-garde in the State Russian Museum. In terms of neighbourhoods that capture the best of St Petersburg, take a walk through the historic Kolomna district. It’s beautiful there.
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