Russian art of the last two decades has been evolving rapidly and in many directions, but there is surprisingly little, and certainly nothing comprehensive, written about the contemporary Russian scene. Most reportage in the West covers so-called "dissidents" rather than actual goings-on in this vast culture, taken as a whole. Too often, these reports seem primarily inspired by a desire to demonstrate Western cultural and political superiority. The aim of Russian Art in the New Millennium is not to support any one cause, but to look at the situation as it now exists objectively, and to give as wide and truthful a view as possible.

This volume covers digital art, landscape paintings, graffiti, religious art, and more, paying close attention to the continuing influence of the traditional centers for art--Moscow and St. Petersburg--while illuminating a number of provincial Russian cities that have developed distinctive art worlds of their own. Russian Art in the New Millennium attempts to discover this terra incognita while encompassing the widely varied but intensely national art scene in Russia in one volume.