Russia's Richest Woman and Philanthropist Yelena Baturina Supports Aidan Salakhova's Latest London Exhibition

LONDON, January 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

In January 2016, an exhibition by Azeri and Russian artist Aidan Salakhova opened in Saatchi Gallery with support from international businesswoman and philanthropist Yelena Baturina. Baturina, who is Russian but now resides in London, provided support to the 'Revelations' exhibition, which showcases the work of Salakhova across painting, drawing, video and sculpture.

Aidan Salakhova is an artist based in Moscow and Carrara, Italy, who works in sculpture, painting, drawing and video. 'Revelations,' curated by Jenny Christensson, will bring together new work, alongside works exhibited at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art in 2012. 

Revelations opens with two rooms dedicated to the artist's earlier series: the veiled figures that contain references to traditional and religious symbols and set out to deconstruct and challenge the patriarchal order. The second half of the exhibition showcases new work, including a provocative video installation exploring the erotic potential of the veil, the archetype of the dominatrix and the fantasy of female domination and male submission.  In her new sculptural work Salakhova returns to the human form with representations of both the female and male nude; these are rendered in granite or marble following the techniques and principles of classical sculpture. 

Mrs Baturina said: "It is a great pleasure to support the careers of artists as creative and daring as Aidan Salakhova. I applaud the Saatchi Gallery for dedicating an entire floor to showcase her works, as they celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the gallery."

Mrs Baturina has been active in philanthropy and charity for many years. Currently her philanthropic activity is carried out mostly through her foundation BEOPEN, which is an initiative supporting innovative projects in the field of culture, education, arts and design all over the world through a system of conferences, competitions, exhibitions, master classes, cultural and art events. Baturina is also a member of the London Board of Maggie's, the charity which offers support to people with cancer and their friends and families.

Mrs Baturina's business activities are concentrated in Europe and the US, and include investments in the sphere of development and construction, both residential and office, in Europe and the US; a hotel chain in Europe and CIS; a solar energy project; and a membrane construction enterprise.

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