Contemporary painting artists. Contemporary artists of Russia. Paintings by famous contemporary artists. Photo of the best selling paintings by contemporary artists

The majestic and diverse Russian painting always pleases the audience with its inconstancy and perfection of artistic forms. This is the peculiarity of the works of famous masters of art. They always amazed with their extraordinary approach to work, reverent attitude to the feelings and sensations of each person. Perhaps that is why Russian artists so often depicted portrait compositions in which emotional images and epic calm motives were vividly combined. No wonder Maxim Gorky once said that an artist is the heart of his country, the voice of an entire era. Indeed, the majestic and elegant paintings of Russian artists vividly convey the inspiration of their time. Like the aspirations of the famous author Anton Chekhov, many sought to bring into Russian paintings the unique flavor of their people, as well as an inextinguishable dream of beauty. It is difficult to underestimate the extraordinary canvases of these masters of majestic art, because truly extraordinary works of various genres were born under their brush. Academic painting, portrait, historical painting, landscape, works of Romanticism, Art Nouveau or Symbolism - all of them still bring joy and inspiration to their viewers. Everyone finds in them something more than colorful colors, graceful lines and inimitable genres of world art. Perhaps such an abundance of forms and images that surprise Russian painting is associated with the enormous potential of the surrounding world of artists. Even Levitan said that in every note of lush nature there is a majestic and extraordinary palette of colors. With such a beginning, there is a magnificent expanse for the artist's brush. Therefore, all Russian paintings are distinguished by their exquisite severity and attractive beauty, from which it is so difficult to break away.

Russian painting is rightfully distinguished from the world artistic arts... The fact is that until the seventeenth century, Russian painting was associated exclusively with a religious theme. The situation changed with the coming to power of the tsar-reformer - Peter the Great. Thanks to his reforms, Russian masters began to engage in secular painting, there was a separation of icon painting as a separate direction. The seventeenth century is the time of artists such as Simon Ushakov and Joseph Vladimirov. Then, in the Russian art world, the portrait was born and quickly became popular. In the eighteenth century, the first artists appear who have passed from portrait painting to the landscape. A pronounced sympathy of the masters for winter panoramas is noticeable. The eighteenth century was also remembered for the birth of everyday painting. In the nineteenth century, as many as three trends gained popularity in Russia: romanticism, realism and classicism. As before, Russian artists continued to turn to the portrait genre. It was then that world-famous portraits and self-portraits of O. Kiprensky and V. Tropinin appeared. In the second half of the nineteenth century, artists more and more often depict the simple Russian people in their oppressed state. Realism became the central trend in painting of this period. It was then that the Wanderers appeared, depicting only real, real life. Well, the twentieth century is, of course, the avant-garde. The artists of that time greatly influenced both their followers in Russia and around the world. Their paintings became the forerunners of abstract art. Russian painting is huge wonderful world talented artists who glorified Russia with their creations

In the photo is a painting by the famous contemporary Italian artist Aurelio Bruni. He lives and works in Umbria. The artist paints in the style of hyperrealism and symbolism, has organized 25 personal exhibitions, participated in 53 collective exhibitions, has 10 different awards and prizes.

The Road to York through the Trail World is a painting by the renowned contemporary British artist David Hockney. On June 21, 2006, Hockney's "Splash" was sold for 2.6 million pounds. His painting "The Grand Canyon", consisting of 60 small paintings that were combined to reproduce one huge painting, was bought by the National Gallery of Australia for $ 4.6 million. The Beverly Hills Housewife sold for $ 7.9 million at Christie's, New York. In 2016, his landscape, Waldgate Woods, was auctioned at Sotheby's for £ 9.4 million. became a new record for David Hockney.

In the photo is a painting by the famous contemporary American artist Warren Chung. Thanks to the masterful transmission of light and muted tones, his paintings look very realistic, perfectly convey emotions and mood. Most of his paintings depict people engaged in their professional activities or daily activities. He also paints interior paintings. Warren Chang has many different titles and awards. Lives and works in Monterey, California.

The painting is an abstraction of the contemporary famous German painter Gerhard Richter, who is one of the richest artists in the world. The painting shown in this photo was sold in London at Sotheby's for $ 44.52 million (30.4 million).

In the photo is a painting by the famous contemporary French artist Martial Rice. In 1993, one of his works was bought by billionaire François Pinault. In 2011, Rice's Last Year in Capri sold for $ 6.58 million at Christie's (at the highest price of any other living French artist previously sold). 50 most expensive living artists.

Painting by the famous contemporary Canadian artist Albini LeBlanc, a master of miniature urban landscapes with a palette knife. The artist lives and works in Quebec. His work can be seen in art galleries in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Quebec. Albini LeBlanc has organized 15 solo exhibitions, participated in 7 collective exhibitions, has 8 different awards and prizes.

Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Japanese artist Tomoko Kashiki. The artist has organized solo exhibitions in Singapore, France and Japan, participated in collective exhibitions in China, USA, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Great Britain, United Arab Emirates and Singapore. Her work can be seen in public collections at Art gallery Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; in one of the largest Japanese insurance companies - Dai-ichi Life Insurance Limited; at the Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania, Australia; at Toyota Art Collection.

Painting "Coloring" by the famous modern Ukrainian artist Oleg Tistol. This painting was sold at Phillips for $ 53,900. According to Forbes, Oleg Tistol is one of the three most successful artists in Ukraine. He was born in Vradievka, Mykolaiv region, lives and works in Kiev, is a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine, took part in many exhibitions in Ukraine, Russia, Estonia, Poland, USA, Iceland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Great Britain, Denmark, Brazil, Germany , Norway, France and Italy. Oleg Tistol took part in the Biennale: in 1994 - "September 17th", 22nd Biennale in Sao Paulo; in 2001 - "First Ukrainian Project", 49th Venice Biennale. His paintings are in the collections: in the PinchukArtCentre, Kiev, Ukraine; in the Norton Dodge Collection, USA; at the Stedelik Museum, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; at the Christoph Merian Stiftung, Basel, Switzerland; at the Ministry of Culture of Turkey, in Ankara; at the Museum of the History of Moscow, Russia.

In the photo is a painting by the famous contemporary Polish artist Wojciech Babski. The artist lives and works in Katowice. It is popular not only in Poland but also abroad. Wojciech Babski received the following awards: 1st place in the category "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of pop art paintings; 1st place in the category "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the category of paintings commenting on politics; 3rd Place The 2016 American Art Awards in the category acrylic paintings; 4th and 5th places in the category "The 2016 American Art Awards" in the Expressionism category.

Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Belarusian artist Anna Silivonchik. The artist was born in Gomel, today she lives and works in Minsk. Silivonchik Anna is a member of the Belarusian Union of Artists, was awarded the medal "Talent and vocation" of the international alliance "Peacemaker", her works are in National Museum Republic of Belarus, museum contemporary art in Minsk, the Museum of Contemporary Russian Art in Jersey City (USA), the funds of the Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble, the Yelabuga State Museum-Reserve in Russia, private collections in Belarus, Russia, France, USA, Japan, Israel, Italy, Germany and Poland. In the period from 2001 to 2016, the artist organized many personal exhibitions in Belarus, Russia, Germany and Ukraine, and also participated in collective exhibitions in Belarus, USA, Russia, Estonia, Ukraine, Latvia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany , Hungary, Niderand and Kazakhstan.

Painting by the famous contemporary Turkish artist Gyurbuz Dogan Eksioglu. The world renowned Turkish cartoonist and graphic artist from Ordu has over 70 awards, about a third of which are international. Grbz Doan Ekiolu has participated in many collective exhibitions, both in Turkey and abroad, held more than 20 solo exhibitions, one of which was held in New York. His work has been published in the Atlantic, New York Times, and has also graced the covers of New Yorker and Forbes magazines.

Painting by the famous contemporary Egyptian artist Hossam Dirar. The artist was born, lives and works in Cairo. Hossam Dirar has held many solo exhibitions in countries such as Bahrain, Great Britain, Slovakia, Italy, France, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia and Egypt. He also participated in group exhibitions in Germany, Egypt and South Africa.

Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi " The last supper". This painting sold for US $ 23.3 million in Hong Kong in October 2013 at Sotheby's, setting a new record for contemporary Asian art. Earlier, in May 2008, when Christie's Hong Kong held its first Asian contemporary art sale , his Painting # 6 from the Mask series sold for HK $ 75,367,500. It was the world record of that year in terms of selling value among all artists.

In the photo is a painting by the famous contemporary Greek artist Nikos Giftakis. The artist was born, lives and works in Athens. He is very popular not only in Greece, he organized personal exhibitions and participated in many collective, in countries such as Switzerland, Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Brazil, Russia and Greece.

Painting by famous contemporary Georgian artist David Popiashvili. The artist, originally from Tbilisi, is a member of the Union of Artists of Georgia, participated in exhibitions in France, Germany, Bulgaria, Russia and Georgia. Many of his works are in museums and private collections in Georgia and abroad.

The picture was painted by the famous contemporary artist of the United Arab Emirates Abdul Kader Al-Rais. The artist is one of the founders of the Society visual arts Emirates and is considered one of the pioneers of contemporary art in the Emirates. His work can be found in the Emirates Palace (presidential hotel in Abu Dhabi), government offices and in the private art collections of members of the royal family in Dubai. The artist participated in various collective exhibitions, and also organized personal exhibitions in different countries(Czech Republic, Lebanon, USA, Germany, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates), has received many awards.

Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Dutch artist Tjalf Sparnaay. The artist is originally from the Netherlands, lives and works in the city of Hilversum, has organized 14 solo exhibitions and participated in many collective exhibitions in different countries (USA, UK, Belgium, Estonia, Germany, Canada, Austria and the Netherlands). His works are in private and public collections in many countries.

Painting by the famous contemporary Spanish artist Miguel Barcelo. In 2003 he received the Prince of Asturias Prize for Art, one of the most important prizes in Spain. In 2004, he exhibited at the Louvre watercolors, which he created to illustrate “ Divine Comedy”, Becoming the first living contemporary artist to be exhibited in a museum. The artist is among the top 30 richest artists in the world. His paintings are expensive. For example, this one, the photo of which is presented above, costs 244,398 USD.

The picture was painted by the famous contemporary Swiss artist Urs Fischer. The artist, originally from Zurich, is among the top 50 richest artists in the world. He became famous for his provocative approach to art, but obeys its laws; he opposes the presentation of art as a commercial commodity, although he himself sells his work expensively, skillfully interacting with the art market and collectors.

In the photo is a painting by the famous contemporary Israeli artist Orna Ben-Shoshan. She lives and works in the city of Ra'anana, has held many solo exhibitions and participated in collective exhibitions in countries such as the USA, Italy, Great Britain, Cyprus, France and Israel. Having looked at the artist's works, you will be fascinated by the amazing world where everything is possible. Take advantage of this to enrich your imagination, broaden your horizons, and meet a rapidly growing talented artist.

In the photo is a painting by the famous contemporary Thai artist Direk Kingnok, a watercolorist from the town of Nakhon Ratchasima. He now lives and works in Khon Kaen City. Already at the age of 9, Director won a gold medal International Competition children's creativity Japan. He participated in exhibitions in Vietnam, China, Turkey, Italy, Russia, South Korea, Malaysia, Greece, Albania and Thailand.

Painting by renowned contemporary Norwegian artist Christer Karlstad. He lives and works in Drammen, has held solo exhibitions and participated in collective exhibitions in the USA, Sweden, Norway.

Pictured here is a painting by the renowned contemporary Danish artist, Jan Esmann. The artist was born, lives and works in Denmark, participated in exhibitions in such countries as: Germany, USA, Denmark.

The picture was painted by the famous contemporary Swedish artist Nisse Niedezh Ottenhag. The artist, originally from the small town of Lilla-Edet, has participated in many exhibitions in different countries (in the USA, France, Monaco, Namibia and Sweden).

Pictured is a painting by the famous contemporary Australian artist Elizabeth Barsham. She was born, lives and works in Tasmania and has many awards. Her work can often be found on magazine covers or as illustrations for articles. She is also often written about in the press. The artist took part in a large number exhibitions and organized personal exhibitions in different countries (Great Britain, Singapore, Italy, Australia).

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci (April 15, 1452 - May 2, 1519) - famous Italian painter, architect, philosopher, musician, writer, researcher, mathematician, engineer, anatomist, inventor and geologist. Known for his paintings, the most famous of which are The Last Supper and Mona Lisa, as well as numerous inventions that were much ahead of their time, but remained only on paper. In addition, Leonardo da Vinci made an important contribution to the development of anatomy, astronomy and technology.

Raphael Santi (March 28, 1483 - April 6, 1520) was a great Italian painter and architect working during the Renaissance, covering the period from the late 15th and early 16th century. Traditionally, Raphael is considered one of the three great masters of this period, along with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Many of his works are in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, in a room called Raphael's stanza. Among others, his most famous work, The School of Athens, is located here.

Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velazquez (June 6, 1599 - August 6, 1660) - spanish artist, portrait painter, court painter of King Philip IV, the greatest representative of the golden age of Spanish painting. In addition to numerous paintings depicting historical and cultural scenes from the past, he painted many portraits of the Spanish royal family as well as other famous European figures. The most famous work of Velazquez is considered the painting "Meninas" (or "The Family of Philip IV") in 1656, located in the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Pablo Diego Jose Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuseno Maria de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santisima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Ruiz and Picasso (October 25, 1881 - April 8, 1973) - the world famous Spanish painter and sculptor, the founder of the Cubism movement in the visual arts. Considered one of greatest artists influenced the development of fine arts in the XX century. Experts, was recognized best artist among those who have lived over the past 100 years, as well as the most "expensive" in the world. During his life, Picasso created about 20 thousand works (according to other sources, 80 thousand).

Vincent Willem Van Gogh (March 30, 1853 - July 29, 1890) was a famous Dutch artist who gained fame only after his death. According to many experts, Van Gogh is one of the greatest artists in history. European art, as well as one of the most prominent representatives of post-impressionism. Author of over 2,100 works of art, including 870 paintings, 1,000 drawings and 133 sketches. His numerous self-portraits, landscapes and portraits are some of the most recognizable and expensive works of art in the world. The most famous work of Vincent Van Gogh, perhaps, is considered a series of paintings called "Sunflowers".

Michelangelo Buonarroti (March 6, 1475 - February 18, 1564) is a world famous Italian sculptor, artist, architect, poet and thinker who has left an indelible mark on the entire world culture. The most famous work of the artist is perhaps the frescoes on the ceiling. Sistine chapel... Among his sculptures, the most famous are Pieta (Lamentation of Christ) and David. From the works of architecture - the design of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. It is interesting that Michelangelo became the first representative of Western European art, whose biography was written during his lifetime.

In fourth place in the ranking of the most famous artists the world is Masaccio (December 21, 1401-1428) - the great Italian artist who had a huge influence on other masters. Masaccio lived a very short life, so there is little biographical evidence about him. Only four of his frescoes have survived, which are undoubtedly the work of Masaccio. Others are believed to have been destroyed. Masaccio's most famous work is considered to be the Trinity fresco in the Church of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy.

Peter Paul Rubens (June 28, 1577 - May 30, 1640) - Flemish (South Dutch) painter, one of the greatest painters of the Baroque era, known for his extravagant style. He was considered the most versatile artist of his time. In his works, Rubens emphasized and embodied the vitality and sensuality of color. He painted numerous portraits, landscapes and historical paintings with mythological, religious and allegorical subjects. The most famous work of Rubens is the triptych "Descent from the Cross" written in the period from 1610 to 1614 and brought the artist worldwide fame.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (September 29, 1571 - July 18, 1610) - great Italian painter of the early Baroque period, founder of the European realistic painting XVII century. In his works, Caravaggio skillfully used the contrasts of light and shadow, focusing on details. He often portrayed ordinary Romans, people from the streets and markets in the images of saints and Madonnas. Examples include the "Evangelist Matthew", "Bacchus", "Conversion of Saul" and others. One of the most famous paintings the artist is considered "The Lute Player" (1595), which Caravaggio called the most successful fragment of his painting.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669) was a famous Dutch painter and printmaker who is considered the greatest and most famous painter in the world. Author of about 600 paintings, 300 etchings and 2 thousand drawings. Its characteristic feature is a masterful play with light effects and deep shadows. The most famous work of Rembrandt is considered the four-meter painting "Night Watch", written in 1642 and now stored in State Museum Amsterdam.

Large international auctions increasingly include contemporary Russian artists in their bidding for post-war and contemporary art. In February 2007, Sotheby’s held the first and almost sensational specialized auction for Russian contemporary art, which brought 22 auction records. "Artguide" decided to find out which of our contemporary artists collected the largest sums at international auctions and, having made the top 10 most expensive living Russian artists based on the results of auction sales, discovered some interesting patterns. All sales prices are quoted from auction houses and include buyer's premium.

Alexander Vinogradov and Vladimir Dubossarsky. Night fitness. Fragment. Courtesy authors (www.dubossarskyvinogradov.com)

Of course, there could be no doubt who exactly became the leader of the auction race: the grandiose Beetle by Ilya Kabakov, sold in February 2008 at Phillips de Pury for almost £ 3 million, is probably remembered by everyone who is interested in contemporary art. A funny nursery rhyme, the text of which is written on a wooden panel with a beetle, even acquired a profound intonation in the art history-market interpretation: “My beetle breaks out, jumps, chirps, it doesn’t want to get into my collection” - this metaphorically means the excitement of a contemporary art collector, for this very beetle bargaining. (The verse quoted by Kabakov, written by the architect A. Maslennikova, an amateur poet from Voronezh, was published in the children's collection of poems, counting rhymes and riddles "Between summer and winter", published in 1976 by the publishing house "Children's Literature" - and Kabakov illustrated this book However, that beetle was not in his black-and-white illustrations).

It should be added that if we were not the top 10 of the most expensive living artists, but the top 10 of their most expensive works, then Kabakov's paintings would take the first three places in this list. That is, the three most expensive works of the now living Russian artist belong to him - in addition to The Beetle, these are Suite Room 1981 (Phillips de Pury, London, June 21, 2007, £ 2.036 million) and Vacation No. 10 1987 (Phillips de Pury London, 14 April 2011, £ 1.497m). On top of that, the generous Kabakov "gave" another record to the Vienna Dorotheum auction - a year ago, on November 24, 2011, the painting "At the University" went there for € 754.8 thousand, becoming the most expensive work of contemporary art ever sold on this auction.

The silver medalist, probably, will also be called easily by many - it is Erik Bulatov, whose canvas "Glory to the KPSS" was sold for a record amount for the artist at the same Phillips de Pury auction as Kabakov's "Beetle".

But the third place of the nonconformist Evgeny Chubarov, whose late work "Untitled" went to Phillips de Pury for £ 720,000 in June 2007, could have been called a surprise, if not for the fact that a few months earlier, in February of that the same year Chubarov already made a splash at Sotheby's in London, at a specialized auction of Russian contemporary art, where his work with the same name (or rather, without it) was sold for £ 288 thousand (with the upper limit of the estimate of £ 60 thousand), not only beating the alleged top lot of that auction, Bulatov's painting "Revolution - Perestroika" (selling price £ 198 thousand), but also becoming the most expensive work of a living Russian artist at that time. By the way, here it is, the irony of currency fluctuations: in November 2000, Grisha Bruskin's polyptych was sold in New York for $ 424 thousand, and then in pounds sterling it was £ 296.7 thousand, and in February 2007, when he installed his first record Chubarov - already only £ 216.6 thousand.

The works of the owners of the fourth place, Vitaly Komar and Alexander Melamid, are frequent and rather successful lots of Western auctions, although their estimates rarely exceed £ 100 thousand. The second most expensive work of the duo is “Yalta Conference. The Judgment of Paris "- was sold at Macdougall's in 2007 for £ 184.4 thousand. But it should be noted, of course, that the painting that brought them fourth place belongs to rather early and rarely appears at auction works and that it was exhibited in 1976 at the first (and very loud) overseas exhibition of Komar and Melamid at the Ronald Feldman Gallery in New York.

Following Komar and Melamid, Oleg Vasiliev and Semyon Faibisovich consistently hold a high bar at auctions. Vasiliev was third in that extraordinarily successful 2008 Phillips de Pury auction, which brought records to Ilya Kabakov and Erik Bulatov, and Faibisovich was fourth. Then Vasiliev's painting "Variation on the theme of the cover of the magazine" Ogonyok "" in 1980 was sold for ₤ 356 thousand with an estimate of ₤ 120 thousand, and Faibisovich's "Another look at the Black Sea" in 1986 - for £ 300.5 thousand with Estimate £ 60-80 thousand. The works of both artists often bring six-figure sums at auctions.

True, the auction glory for Faibisovich was brought not at all by the record "Soldiers", but by the painting "Beauty", sold at Sotheby's on March 12, 2008 - this was the second auction of the auction house for contemporary Russian art, except for the Moscow auction in 1988. The painting (its other name - "May Day") went then for £ 264 thousand with an estimate of £ 60-80 thousand, a real battle unfolded between the buyers for it. Another painting by Faibisovich "On Moscow Street" at that auction exceeded the estimate twice and was sold for £ 126 thousand. We add that, according to the portal Artprice, Semyon Faibisovich is the only one of Russian artists, included in the top 500 best-selling in 2011-2012.

Roughly the same can be said about Oleg Tselkov, who is ranked eighth in the top 10. Already half a century ago, having found his own style and theme, a recognizable and authoritative artist, he regularly supplies auctions with his fluorescent round mugs, which are always successful. The second most expensive painting by Tselkov "Five Faces" was sold in June 2007 at MacDougall's for £ 223.1 thousand, the third, "Two with Beetles" - in November of the same year at the same auction (MacDougall's always put up for auction several different Tselkovs price range) for £ 202.4 thousand.

Grisha Bruskin has had a special role in the auction history of Russian contemporary art since 1988, from the Moscow Sotheby's auction called Russian Avant-Garde and Soviet Contemporary Art, where his "Fundamental Lexicon" was sold for sensational £ 220,000, 12 times higher estimate. Roughly the same, and perhaps even more sensational, happened with the polyptych Logia. Part I ”in 2000 at Christie’s in New York: the polyptych went for $ 424 thousand, exceeding the upper bound of the estimate 21 (!) Times - this alone can be considered a kind of record. Most likely, this extraordinary purchase is due not least to the significance of Bruskin's name as the hero of the legendary Moscow Sotheby's auction, because no other Bruskin's auction sales even come close to these amounts.

The price of Oscar Rabin does not fluctuate, but is steadily and very noticeably growing, especially for works of the Soviet period - all the most expensive works by this master sold at auctions were painted in the late 1950s - early 1970s. This (in addition to his record "Socialist City") "Baths (Sniff the cologne" Moscow ", 1966, Sotheby's, New York, April 17, 2007, $ 336 thousand) and" Violin in the cemetery "(1969, Macdougall's, London, November 27 2006, £ 168.46).

The ten strongest are closed by representatives of the younger generation - Alexander Vinogradov and Vladimir Dubossarsky, whose most expensive paintings were sold at Phillips de Pury (the second most expensive - "The Last Butterfly", 1997, Phillips de Pury, New York, $ 181 thousand). These artists, in general, continue a trend that is quite clearly visible in the ranking of the most expensive paintings by living artists. We are talking about her a little below, but for now, here, finally, is a list of the most expensive works living Russian artists.

Top 10 works of living Russian artists

1. Ilya Kabakov (b. 1933). Bug. 1982. Wood, enamel. 226.5 x 148.5. Phillips de Pury & Company auction, London, 28 February 2008. Estimate £ 1.2-1.8 million. Sale price £ 2.93 million.

2. Eric Bulatov (b. 1933). Glory to the KPSS. 1975. Oil on canvas. 229.5 x 229. Auction Phillips de Pury & Company, London, February 28, 2008. Estimate £ 500-700 thousand. Sale price £ 1.084 million.

3. Evgeny Chubarov (b. 1934). Untitled. 1994. Oil on canvas. 300 х 200. Auction Phillips de Pury & Company, London, June 22, 2007. Estimate £ 100-150 thousand. Sale price £ 720 thousand.

4. Vitaly Komar (b. 1943) and Alexander Melamid (b. 1945). Meeting of Solzhenitsyn and Belle at Rostropovich's dacha. 1972. Oil on canvas, collage, gold foil. 175 x 120. Auction Phillips de Pury & Company, London, April 23, 2010. Estimate £ 100-150 thousand. Sale price £ 657.25 thousand.

5. Oleg Vasiliev (b. 1931). Before sunset. 1990. Oil on canvas. 210 x 165. Auction Sotheby's, London, March 12, 2008. Estimate £ 200-300 thousand. Sale price £ 468.5 thousand.

6. Semyon Faibisovich (b. 1949). Soldiers. From the "Stations" series. 1989. Oil on canvas. 285.4 x 190.5. Auction Phillips de Pury & Company, London, October 13, 2007. Estimate £ 40-60 thousand. Sale price £ 311.2 thousand.

8. Oleg Tselkov (b. 1934). Boy with balloons. Canvas, oil. 103.5 x 68.5. MacDougall's auction, London, 28 November 2008. Estimate £ 200-300 thousand. Sale price £ 238.4 thousand.

9. Oscar Rabin (b. 1928). City and Moon (Socialist City). 1959. Oil on canvas. 90 x 109. Auction Sotheby's, New York, April 15, 2008. Estimated $ 120-160 thousand. Sale price $ 337 thousand (£ 171.4 at the dollar to pound sterling exchange rate in April 2008).

10. Alexander Vinogradov (b. 1963) and Vladimir Dubossarsky (b. 1964). Night training. 2004. Oil on canvas. 194.9 x 294.3. Auction Phillips de Pury & Company, London, June 22, 2007. Estimate £ 15-20 thousand. Sale price £ 132 thousand.

It is known that auction prices are an irrational thing and cannot be used to judge the true role and significance of the artist in the artistic process. But by them and by the top lots, one can roughly judge the collector's preferences. What are they? You don't need to be an expert to answer this question. They are obvious. Firstly, all artists (except perhaps, except for Alexander Vinogradov and Vladimir Dubossarsky) are "living classics" in years, and very respectable ones. Secondly, almost all of them did not set records for their work. recent years, and much earlier, that is, the pattern "the older the better" is relevant here as well. Thirdly, without exception, all works from the top 10 are easel paintings. Fourth, these are all large and very large paintings. More or less "standard" in this regard can be considered only "The City and the Moon" by Oscar Rabin and "Boy with Balloons" by Oleg Tselkov, all the rest are great in height (not even in width) human height. Finally, for all these artists, one way or another, the theme of the Soviet (in particular, non-conformist) past is relevant, in many cases accentuated in their works. It seems that our collectors are experiencing an acute nostalgia for this very Soviet past (it is common knowledge that Russian art it is Russian collectors who buy in the West).

Younger than the rest of the leaders of auction sales, Alexander Vinogradov and Vladimir Dubossarsky are somewhat stubbornly trying to break out of dozens of harsh nonconformists, but this is only at first glance. In fact, if we imagine which of the next generation after Kabakov, Bulatov, Rabin, Vasiliev, Tselkov can best meet the above criteria of purchase (easel paintings large sizes, rehash of Soviet genres, motives and stylistics), then, probably, it will turn out to be Vinogradov and Dubossarsky, worthy heirs of the masters of the previous decades. At least judging by the auction sales.

Many believe that there are no artists left in the 21st century. However, in reality, this is not the case. And nowadays there are many talented and famous artists, whose works are shown in exhibitions, who earn big money. Below will be a list of 20 of the most famous and well-earned artists who are actively involved in creative work not only in Russia.

Russian artist Alexander Ivanov, born in 1962, is best known for his work called "Love", which was written back in 1996 and sold for almost 100,000 rubles. His style is abstract art. He is also a businessman, collects, opened a Faberge Museum in Germany, in Baden-Baden.

Olga Bulgakova is one of the few talented and famous Russian artists, born in 1951, and she is a member of the Russian Academy of Arts as a corresponding member. The representative of such a movement of painting of the Brezhnev era, which is called "carnival". Her most famous work is A Dream of a Red Bird, written in 1988.

Russian artist Mikhail Brusilovsky, working under the pseudonym Misha Shaevich, is included in this rating and takes 18th place. This world renowned artist

The talented Russian artist Lev Tabenkin was born in 1952 in the Russian capital- Moscow. This painter sees the painting like a sculptor. The feeling that his characters are sculpted from clay. One of Lev's most famous paintings is The Jazz Orchestra, written in 2004. It was sold for 117,650 rubles.

The AES + F project consists of four people, in fact, the name consists of the initial letters of the names of the participants: Tatyana Arzamasova, Lev Evzovich, Evgeny Svyatsky, Vladimir Fridnes. The creativity of this company is characterized by a very good presentation back in the nineties and was appreciated only in the two thousandth. For the most part now, they create large animated murals that are broadcast on dozens of screens. One of the most famous works of this company: "Warrior 4".

Russian artist Sergei Volkov was born in Petrozavodsk in 1956. His works are characterized by what he worked during the period of perestroika art. The pictures are written very expressively, where very profound statements and ideology are noticed. His most famous painting is Double Vision. Triptych".

Artists Alexander Vinogradov and Vladimir Dubossarsky were both born in Moscow in 1963 and 1964. They began to work together in 1994, having met at the festival, creating an unusual and grandiose project. The original design has earned the respect of many collectors. Their pictures hang in such famous places like the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian Museum and even the Pompidou Center. They themselves are the creators of the Art-Strelka gallery and the organizers of the Art-Klyazma festival.

Russian artist Vladimir Yankilevsky was also included in the list of the highest paid and famous artists. He was born in Moscow in 1938. Vladimir's father was also an artist, and his son inherited his profession. Vladimir works in the style of surrealism - creativity with paradoxical combinations. Back in 1970, he painted one of the most famous paintings called "Triptych 10. Anatomy of the Soul II".

Artist Vladimir Nemukhin was born in 1925 in the small village of Priluki, located in the Moscow region. He has participated in many foreign exhibitions in Europe. In the nineties he lived and was active in Germany, but in 2005 he moved to Russia. His work is characteristic three-dimensional composition, the presence of a counter-relief and various cross-cutting motives, for example, a deck of cards.

An artist with an unusual name, the son of a Spanish political emigrant, was born in the small village of Vasilyevka in Samara region in 1943. He was the organizer of the group of artists "Argo", is a member of the Moscow Union of Artists. Also, Francisco was awarded the State Prize for achievements in the field of fine arts. The artist is actively involved in creative work both in Russia and abroad.

The artist Alexander Melamed used to be one of the members of the very famous creative duet Komarov-Melamed, but he broke up back in 2003, then they began to work separately. Residence since 1978 is New York. Most famous works he wrote together with Vitaly Komar, they also created the Sots Art movement together and were the organizers of the Bulldozer Exhibition.

This Russian artist, known as one of the founders of Moscow Conceptualism, was born in Moscow in 1937, where he graduated from the Polygraphic Institute. According to Viktor Pivovarov himself, his first work was written at the age of five. He is also a representative of "unofficial" art. His paintings are located in some of the most famous and largest exhibition centers: in the Russian Museum, Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts A.S. Pushkin.

This artist was born in 1934 in Tbilisi. He is one of the brightest representatives monumental painting. Zurab is known for his work in the form of a monument to Peter I, which is located in Moscow, as well as a monument, which is located in front of the UN building in New York. Zurab is the president of the Russian Academy of Arts, where his own museum-gallery operates. The creations of this artist are known not only to Russia, but to the whole world.

Russian artist Oscar Rabin is famous for being the organizer of the Bulldor Exhibition in 1974 and four years later he was stripped of his Soviet citizenship. He also became popular as one of the first artists to privately sell paintings in the Soviet Union. At the moment, his permanent place of residence and work is Paris. His paintings are in major museums and exhibition centers: the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian Museum and others.

Russian artist Oleg Tselkov is known as an artist who began the main creative movement in the sixties of the 20th century, showing very rough and sharp features in his paintings, including in the depiction of people who look like clay figures. Since 1977, Oleg continues creative way in Paris. His paintings are located in such exhibition centers: the Russian Museum, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Hermitage. One of the most famous paintings is "Boy with Balloons", written in 1954.

Born in Moscow in 1934, Russian artist Grigory Bruskin, or Grisha, has been one of the members of the Union of Artists since 1969. He gained the greatest fame thanks to large auction Sotheby's, where he sold his work called Fundamental Lexicon for the highest price, which was a record. At the moment he lives and works in New York and Moscow, therefore he is also called an American artist.

This Russian artist is distinguished by the fact that he depicts realistic things with the utmost precision. His real creative activity began from the moment when in 1985, having exhibited at Malaya Gruzinskaya, he won the attention and recognition of collectors from New York. Since then, his works have been exhibited in many European countries, are in exhibition centers in America, Germany and Poland. Now he lives and conducts creative activity in Moscow.

This duet, alas, existed until 2003, but was a huge success. Two Russian artists became famous for the creation of a movement such as Sots Art, which is an offshoot of unofficial art. This was a kind of response to the creation of pop art in the west. Canvases with the works of these artists are in major museums, including the Louvre.

The Russian artist is known for being able to combine both painting and text in his work, later they began to call it Sots Art. During the Soviet period he was popular as an illustrator in children's books. For a while he lived in New York, then in Paris. He was the first artist to stage an exhibition at the Center Pompidou. His creative work are in the Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian Museum, the Pompidou Center.

This talented Russian artist, who works in tandem with his wife Emilia, can be considered the country's chief artist, the founder of Moscow conceptualism. He was born in Dnepropetrovsk in 1933, but New York has become his place of residence since 1988. His works can be seen in the Hermitage, the Tretyakov Gallery and the Russian Museum. Ilya received the Japanese Emperor's Prize, and his two works entitled "Beetle" and "Suite" are the most expensive paintings.