【Text/Observer Network Zhou Yibo】
Since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian military conflict, Russian cats, dogs, ballet companies and even condiments have been boycotted. Today, several top auction houses have announced the cancellation of auctions of Russian art.
According to Reuters local time on March 16, sotheby's , Christie's and Bonhams and other well-known auction houses have canceled the Russian art auction scheduled for June in London. In addition, there are other auction houses whose owners are Russians who have been boycotted in the circle. This is one of the art market's reactions to Western sanctions against Russia.
However, the impact of this practice on Russian art collectors is limited. James Butwick, a British dealer who trades ukrainian and Russian art, said many Russians are still willing to lend art out for exhibitions, but tend to remain anonymous, "the market for high-end art has always existed, so this has not changed."
Sotheby's, an art auction house founded in London, England
On March 15, local time, Sotheby's announced the cancellation of the Russian art auction scheduled for June in London, and said that it had "actively supported people affected by the tragic events in the region (Ukraine) through fundraising through enterprises and employees."
On the same day, Christie's announced the same decision.
"Although Christie's current sales market in Russia is relatively small overall, we have a responsibility to respond to the needs of our customers, as well as geopolitical events beyond our control." Christie's said in a statement that it was conducting "enhanced due diligence" on politically sensitive individuals and those associated with the sanctioned areas.
On March 16, Powerlong Removed News about the Russian Art Auction from its website, but did not give a reason for the decision.
Earlier this month, though, Martheon Gilling, the former chief executive of Powerlong Auction House, publicly declared that people should boycott Phillips because the owners of the house are Russians Leonid Friedland and Leonid Struning.
A spokesman for Phillips Auctions in London said that although the house did not hold an auction specifically for Russia, it had stepped up its due diligence efforts, "We have always been on high alert, and now of course we have to redouble our vigilance." ”
According to reports, the UK auction world typically holds Russian art auctions in June and November each year, a time known as "Russian Art Week" that tends to attract wealthy Russian buyers.
Reuters pointed out that on the 15th, the British government announced the imposition of sanctions on hundreds of Russian individuals and entities, a move aimed at "catching up with the European Union and the United States and cracking down on those accused of supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin". As for the actions of these three auction houses, they are "one of the reactions of the art market to Western sanctions against Russia."
Christie's, an art auction house founded in London, England
Reuters analysis said that although the three auction houses have taken action against Russia, the international art market as a whole is unlikely to be affected, because since the 2008 financial crisis, the number of Russian buyers has declined, accounting for only a small part of the market.
Sebastian Dutti, chief executive of Art Market Research Ltd, noted that in 2021, at Sotheby's and Christie's in London, total sales of Russian art will be £37.7 million, less than 1% of the turnover.
In addition, James Butwick, a British dealer who trades ukrainian and Russian art, said, "The market for high-end art has always existed, so that hasn't changed." The collectors I know, some in Russia, some in the West, are just trying to keep a low profile. ”
"I asked some Russians to lend me (the artwork) for next year's exhibition, and they were happy to lend it to me, just asking for anonymity."
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