“In those years when Russian new art was persecuted, artists stood up for themselves. Only a few cowardly fled from the battlefield. The rest - completely alone, under a hail of ridicule - preferred to work and wait. Few were flattered by their hopes; many had a presentiment that they would have to endure our difficult days and that they could not wait for anything better. It was difficult to live through that era, but the fate of the artists was enviable, because their hard work was not in vain. In those days, artists had not only the right, but also the duty to establish the banner of “pure art.” This was not just a tactical device, but a passionate conviction of the heart...”