OUR FOUNDER

Larissa Kolesnikova (b. Russia; lives and works in Malibu, California) 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 interinstitutional collaborations. 

During her time in the United Arab Emirates, she founded a pioneering art consulting firm that developed and implemented significant cultural projects for Abu Dhabi’s leadership and local institutions. She was part of the UAE’s inaugural delegation to the 2009 Venice Biennale. Since 2015 she has served as global advisor to the board at Hawai’i Contemporary. Kolesnikova is a former strategic advisor to the ALESCO ambassador on cultural matters. As an art advisor, she champions intentional collecting through her Malibu Art Collectors Club, which encourages diversity and community engagement. Kolesnikova's 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, Pavilion Downtown Dubai (2012); UberConstruction, Pavilion Downtown Dubai (2012); and Fatamorgana, Goethe-Institute Middle East, XVA Gallery, Dubai (2011).