Sotheby's auction house has opened its preview exhibition entirely devoted to Russian contemporary art in Moscow. The top lots at the upcoming auction include more than 40 paintings, photo collages and sculptures, with a value estimated at more than $US 5

With Russian art in demand both at home and abroad, international auction houses are highlighting pieces by Russian artists more than ever.

“The exhibition is divided into two sections – non-conformist and social realism paintings. We also have a nice selection of artists that have never been at auction before,” said Jo Vickery, head of the Russian Art Department.

The main attraction of the auction is a painting by non -conformist artist Oleg Vasiliev and is estimated to go for around $US 400,000. 

Russian art has become one of the Sotheby’s top-selling features with four auctions every year devoted entirely to Russian items. Last year Sotheby’s had a record year in Russian art with sales totalling $US 180 million, and this year sales are expected to bring in even more.

The Chairman of Sotheby’s Russia, Lord Mark Poltimore, puts it down to a significantly growing number of art collectors in Russia.

“The Russian art market is the most exciting I've ever been involved in. We're seeing a huge amount of interest from Russia in the Russian pictures and in other fields such as impressionists, silver and furniture,” he said.

Lord Poltimore says that although Russian contemporary art is accessible for buyers from all over the globe, it is mainly bought by Russians who prefer to collect what they are familiar with.