One day this January, I took an Aeroflot flight to St Petersburg, travelled by water through western Russia and arrived in Moscow. I explored the city and deciding that once wasn’t enough, returning to rediscover the city a second time. I didn’t need a passport; I avoided the complicated and probing visa application process, yet made it across the Russian border without any hassle.

18 January - 23 February

We cannot deny the magical and spiritual influence on the most representative currents of modern and contemporary art. Dukhovlinov’s exhibition Speranza (hope in Italian) focuses on the spiritual in art, which I always believed provided the first theoretical foundation for abstract art. Unlike Kandisky, who openly acknowledges that his art theories are based on the occult teachings of Helena Blavatsky, in his painting practice Dukholnikov embraces humanity, enlightenment, and salvation.

15–25 January 2013

Collection Red announces the artists taking part in their latest exhibition that explores the idea that ‘the past makes you who you are’. Through the various artists’ connections to their world,their ethnic roots, their past and childhood they display the rich and varied cultural traditions of the former Soviet states.

By Nick Page

Following a challenging past year, when drought and heat-wave slowed down economic activity, Russia’s growth trajectory is firmly back on track. And with inflation predicted to recede in the second half of 2011, the climate for investment looks increasingly attractive.

This macro backdrop aligns favourably with government plans to privatise several state-owned enterprises through to 2013. And with a raft of business-friendly reforms scheduled – including the abolition of capital gains tax on long-term investments from 2011 – there are real causes for optimism.

It seems to me that society adopts stereotypes on purpose – not going into any detail and therefore make life easier. Stereotypes themselves have a certain summary, which are used to describe specific types of individuals or certain ways of doing things.

For instance, if you ask a foreigner what he knows about Great Britain, 99% of answers would be the Queen, Big Ben, 5 o’clock tea and the rainy weather. In the same situation I doubt that British people say the same things due to their knowledge, understanding and personal associations with their Motherland.

The same situation exits with Russians. If you ask me what comes to my mind when we talk about Russia, I would say anything except vodka, bears, frost, the KGB or whatever Europeans have to say about it. Russia is more than that.