The Power and Magic of Art
Art is not merely expensive paintings hanging on walls; it's an entire universe with its own laws, heroes, and mysteries. Galleries store stories, and collectors hunt for masterpieces. Asia Bingyols shares her insights into the world of art and the journey she and her mother, Ruzanna Babaeva, embarked upon as founders of the Bingyol's auction house and art gallery.
Art has always been an integral part of our lives. From an early age, I absorbed this love by observing my mother successfully developing her jewellery business. I practically grew up at jewellery exhibitions, immersed in beauty and luxury. Perhaps it was then that my passion for the exquisite was born, which would later lead us into the gallery business. My mother has always been a source of inspiration for me. Since childhood, I watched how gentleness, femininity, beauty, and business acumen could be combined in one woman. It truly impressed me. Even at university, when asked about my source of inspiration, I mentioned my mother. For me, she is always a reliable partner and a role model.
After obtaining an economics degree in the United States, I returned to Russia and enrolled at Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Cultural Policy, majoring in Museum and Gallery Management. It was a unique opportunity to combine business and art. During the four years of study, we completed internships at all the best museums in Russia: the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, the State Tretyakov Gallery, the Bakhrushin Museum, private galleries, and auction houses. I tried my hand in various fields: museum, gallery, auction, and even theatre management, completing one of my internships at the Bolshoi Theatre. This diverse experience helped me understand my true calling, for which I am very grateful to my professors.
The idea of creating Bingyol's Art Gallery & Auction House was born even before I graduated from Moscow State University. I was graduating with my own project already in mind. After completing my studies, we held more than 25 international exhibitions, which we called "Cultural Bridge." Our first exhibition took place in Paris, France, followed by two exhibitions in Switzerland and Italy. We participated in the 58th Venice Biennale in Qatar, where our gallery won first place among all the galleries. We also held exhibitions in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and other countries. Everywhere we went, we were warmly welcomed and met with keen interest in our artists and our activities. The exhibition in the United States was particularly memorable, where the works of 14 artists were covered by three television channels simultaneously.
After numerous international exhibitions, we opened the doors of our gallery and auction house in the Romanov Dvor Business Centre. Later, we opened a branch in Dubai, UAE, at the Kempinski Hotel & Residence Palm Jumeirah.
This young metropolis attracts talented people from all over the world, and it is here that world-renowned galleries and auction houses are opening their branches. The competition, of course, is fierce, but we were prepared for it. By the time we opened the branch, we already had solid experience and a strong reputation, so the start was very organic. Currently, Bingyol's Art Gallery & Auction House has three locations: in Dubai, Moscow, and soon we will open a branch in Limassol, Cyprus, at the Olympic Residence.
The philosophy of Bingyol's Art Gallery & Auction House is to bring joy through art. We don't just sell art objects; we help find that very piece that will become the heart of a collection or interior. We take special pride in our clients who have started collecting contemporary art thanks to us. We provide expert advice on selecting works with investment potential. The prices of our artists are constantly rising, and this is a huge merit of Bingyol's curators. Recently, there was an instance where a collector intuitively chose a sculpture, and a couple of weeks later, we learned that its price had jumped fivefold! Art is the most reliable asset that will always be valuable and will always stay with you. Even if you buy an art object for your soul, it will appreciate year after year.
Our motto is "Art Unites." Under the roof of Bingyol's Art Gallery, art lovers from all over the world come together: from Russia, Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East. Some find their favourite artist, while others find a business partner. Art erases boundaries and creates a space for communication. That's why we organise not only exhibitions but also lectures, workshops, and book presentations. My authored book, "How to Buy and Sell Art," has already been added to the library fund of Russia and will soon be published in English. Part of our mission is to popularise art. By sharing our experience, we inspire people to take an interest in art and collecting.
The path of Bingyol's Art Gallery has not been easy. We had to step out of our comfort zone and overcome challenges. There were creative crises as well. Each stage required complete dedication and perseverance. We had to adapt to a new country and understand the specifics of the local art market. Doubts and fatigue crept in more than once, but I believe that when you do what you love, nothing is impossible for you! The passion for art helped us move forward and inspire the team. We are united by common values: the constant search for new talents, care for our clients, and the popularisation of collecting. I am infinitely grateful to God for this rich and beautiful lifelong journey.
Bingyol's is a centre of art where you can immerse yourself in the world of contemporary and antique art. Our galleries feature top contemporary artists, sculptures, as well as antique works and icons. During our exhibitions, you can interact with interesting individuals from various fields.
We are not just an art gallery and auction house; Bingyol's is a lifestyle where you can find like-minded friends, decorate your home no matter where you live in the world, travel with us, learn about art, invest, and earn money on things that have eternal value while admiring the objects in your home.
My personal motto is "Shoot for the moon, reach the star." Yes, art is always about positive emotions, inspiration, and joy. And there is no magic without inspiration. When you give yourself completely to what you love, the universe will surely respond and send you the right people, signs, and opportunities. In moments like these, when the United Arab Emirates awards you a golden visa for your contribution to the development of the country's art, you realise that you are in the right place and that the work you do is truly great.
When you live and breathe art, you become infected with its superpower: you see beauty in everything and create magic around you. I believe that the best is always yet to come, so I look to the future with optimism. We will continue to discover new names, support artists, and bring art to the masses. This is our calling and our higher mission.
