Moscow's Fighting Spirit

With experience across three continents belying her 24 years, Maria (or Masha) Baibakova has become a pioneering force in the contemporary art world of Moscow. After completing a master’s degree at the Courtauld Institute in London, the mining heiress opened Baibakov Art Projects in 2008 in a chocolate factory. Since its foundation, the organization has mounted internationally focused program, which has included solo shows of Luc Tuymans and Paul Pfeiffer. “She is showing something which no one has seen here,” says Anna Dyulgerova who works with the curator on communications and special projects. “We’re trying to send even more messages to the younger generation here to show them the spirit. These things that you remember change your life.” On May 27 Baibakova opened a new larger space on the banks of the Paveletskaya River with more exhibition spaces including sculpture courtyards, a lecture hall and a rooftop with views over the city. The inaugural show, entitled Perpetual Battles, examines contemporary society via an exploration of the imagery and rituals of conflict. The show features a performance by electro-acoustic musician Koudlam in conjunction with video works by French wunderkind Cyprien Gaillard, as well as pieces by sculptors Thomas Hirschhorn and Oscar Tuazon.