An exhibition of 80s art from the Glasnost/Perestroika period of Russian history has opened in Moscow. The highlights can be seen at the Volker Diehl Gallery until the end of August.

The paintings, installations and photographs on display capture the spirit of the time, shortly before the fall of the Soviet Union.

The most impressive pieces of Russian art from the period are on display. The Soviet avant-garde of the 1980s and the beginning of the 90s reflect a mood of uncertainty and depression, yet also excitement, brought about by changes in society and government.

Curator Volker Diehl says the period is exciting as there were no Western artists to cover it and that makes the exhibition unique.

The works of more than 20 artists represent different trends, styles and schools during the last two decades of the last century.

Paintings by Andrei Khlobystin, Semen Faibisovitch and Dmitry Vrubel along with works by Timur Novikov, Sergei Bugaev, Aleksey Sundukov and many more are included.

But Volker Diehl's interest in Glasnost/Perestroika goes beyond this exhibition.  By the end of 2008 a book will also be published on the art of the era.

Plans are also afoot for a bigger show of the collection in London.