I’m Masha Karmanova, the owner and creative force behind Hauteart. Since opening the gallery in December 2021, we’ve become a cornerstone for contemporary art in Limassol. Over the years, Hauteart has hosted more than 20 exhibitions and events, with our artists earning over five international awards, participating in numerous global exhibitions, and having their works acquired by renowned collectors and even placed in the Ministry of Culture’s collections. But none of this would have been possible if I hadn’t stumbled into the art world by pure chance.

About a decade ago, I received an unexpected call from a friend—an established art dealer in Moscow at the time—who had fallen seriously ill and needed surgery. She asked me to step in and manage one of her already planned exhibitions. The exhibition was a success, but unfortunately, my friend never fully recovered. Suddenly, I found myself with a group of talented but struggling artists and no idea what to do next. And so began my unexpected journey into the world of art.  

In just a few months, my business card was being passed around among ministers, collectors, and well-heeled art lovers looking to adorn their homes and offices with beautiful works. The artists I had taken under my wing started to thrive as demand for their creations soared.  

At that time, the idea of opening a gallery seemed absurd and financially unwise—especially in the context of Moscow, where my business was already flourishing. But the political climate was changing, and with a PhD in history, I knew it was time to leave the country. After hosting my final exhibition at the Kremlin, my decision to emigrate was cemented. Soon after, my family and I packed up and moved to Cyprus during the pandemic.

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