OUR FOUNDER

Larissa Kolesnikova is an art business executive, independent curator and art advisor with a passion for bringing underrepresented voices into the art communities she serves. Her curatorial work is driven by a commitment to supporting institutions in need of greater visibility and resources, often through fostering inter-institutional collaborations. 

During her time in the United Arab Emirates, Larissa Kolesnikova founded a pioneering art consulting firm that developed and implemented major cultural projects for Abu Dhabi’s leadership and institutions. She was part of the UAE’s inaugural delegation to the 2009 Venice Biennale and has served since 2015 as a global advisor to the board at Hawai’i Contemporary. A former strategic advisor to the ALESCO ambassador on cultural matters, she advised the Malibu Arts Commission in 2016 on the landmark Big Clay public art controversy, helping shape updated civic policy around outdoor art installations through advocacy, collector engagement, and strategic cultural dialogue. As an art advisor, she champions intentional collecting through her Malibu Art Collectors Club, which promotes diversity and community engagement. Her curatorial projects include James Clar: Powers of Ten, Pepperdine Weisman Museum (2025); Back to the Future, Studiospace Lange Straße 31, Frankfurt (2023); Carrom Station, Jane Lombard Gallery, New York (2017); Blackout and UberConstruction, Pavilion Downtown Dubai (2012); and Fatamorgana, Goethe-Institut Middle East/XVA Gallery, Dubai (2011).

LISTEN to Larissa speak about Inspiration https://open.spotify.com/episode/0J5ooRpoac0Vnbj85UMP3X?si=c9stWLRxSuybg6BzKPEbiw

HIRE Larissa for a speaking engagement or advisory/curatorial/ strategy role https://www.linkedin.com/in/larissakolesnikova/