Artexchange 03

In the year marked by profound economic and moral crisis that put patience of the righteous to a serious test, the organization of the 3rd Artexchange presents a true challenge.

Between two Art Fairs, we have witnessed the increasingly more difficult work of private galleries and their obvious reductionist changes of status, programme, editorial and promotional changes, and particularly changes of sales activities. In fact, the country, its regions and cities and their reduced assets very selectively support the activity of private and public cultural sector, and the few remaining quality sponsors and donators postpone their investments into visual arts for some better times. Of course, not even state regulations proved more generous in stimulating investments into contemporary arts and in the institute of purchase of works of art. For this reason, it almost feels grotesque to discuss artwork market at this moment when rivers of those without a basic right to work keeps growing from day to day.

And yet, faith and passion help hope be the last one to die! As much as it is difficult to rationally nourish faith and passion now that the contamination of spirit is omnipresent, we must think actively and we must act positively.

After all, Artexchange is the pride of its founding galleries, of the region and the City of Rovinj. Authors invest both faith and passion into it. Against all odds. Who gives us the right to draw back? Should we leave the product with a good chance in the future to memory? Of course not! And this is why we are here today, proudly here for the third time, although in a bit smaller space. First of all, thanks to Galleries – exhibitors who have come here in spite of the times – we are still working!

Gorka Ostojić Cvajner