Strong in art: they said goodbye to Zurab Tsereteli in Moscow

He worked until the last days of his life, painted at meetings of the Ministry of Culture, and next year he wanted to open an exhibition in his own gallery in memory of Russian designers. On April 23, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior hosted a farewell ceremony for Zurab Tsereteli. Tatyana Mikhalkova called him a blocky man, Nikas Safronov recalled his participation in the master's projects, and President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the famous artist. Izvestia tells about the words with which they said goodbye to the most significant sculptor in the modern history of Russia in Moscow.

Farewell ceremony for Zurab Tsereteli

People began to gather at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior a lot in advance of the official start of the farewell ceremony, scheduled at 12 o'clock. Most of the participants in the memorial service had armfuls of sunflowers with them, which is no coincidence. Tsereteli loved to paint these flowers, which reminded him of his native Georgia and the sun, especially in the cold Russian winter. Tatiana Metaksa, Adviser to the Director General of the State Museum of Oriental Art, recalled Zurab Konstantinovich's love for flowers at the ceremony. Tsereteli painted her portrait six times.

— I am friends with his daughter Lika, who lost her great father. Zurab Konstantinovich was kind and fair. He really loved people and nature. What flowers he has! You can see for yourself how many paintings he dedicated to them," said Tatiana Metaxa.

Tatiana Mikhalkova also came to see off Zurab Tsereteli with a bouquet of red roses. According to Nikita Mikhalkov's wife, Tsereteli was more full of creative plans than ever. Next year, he wanted to open an exhibition in his own gallery in memory of Russian designers.

— We discussed this possibility a few months ago. After all, he was like a father figure to designers! We wanted to make an evening in memory of Slava Zaitsev, Valentin Yudashkin, Irina Krutikova. The memory of them should live on, Zurab Konstantinovich was sure," she shared. — He was very helpful. He treated both professionals and young designers equally. He always provided venues, came to the screenings, and supported them.

A great artist and sculptor, a blocky man, Tatiana Mikhalkova speaks about Tsereteli.

— He has done a lot for the culture of Russia and Georgia. I can't even believe that Zurab Konstantinovich is no longer with us. He was always so cheerful and kind. And even his paintings are full of bright colors, the colors that should surround us. Not gloomy, but cheerful. He loved life very much," she said.

At one point, representatives of the Georgian diaspora in national costumes lined up next to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. They were schoolchildren. David Tsetskhladze brought them to say goodbye to Zurab Tsereteli. Since 2021, he has been the head of the Georgian Diaspora in Russia.

— I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Zurab Konstantinovich Tsereteli. This is an irreparable loss for the entire art world, for Russia and, of course, for Georgia. Zurab Konstantinovich was not just an outstanding sculptor and artist, he was a real symbol of friendship and a cultural bridge between our peoples," Tsetskhladze said. — The last time we talked was a few months ago at his art gallery. He was always critical of his team, scolding that they weren't working enough, that they shouldn't look at their watches, they shouldn't just think about their salaries, they should think about their Homeland and Fatherland.

"Even at a meeting at the Ministry of Culture, he was drawing something"

Zurab Tsereteli worked until the last moment, despite his advanced age. Over the years of his career, he has created more than five thousand sculptures, frescoes, mosaics, paintings and graphics. They are represented not only in Russia, but also abroad — these are Spain, Serbia, the USA, France, Japan and Italy. Among the most famous and significant works of the author are the monument to Peter the Great, the Victory Monument, the statue of George the Victorious, "Friendship of Peoples", "Tear of Sorrow", "Good conquers Evil", "The Birth of a new Man", "Uncle Stepa is a policeman".

— He never let go of the pencil. Even when we sat together at a meeting at the Ministry of Culture, he listened, but he always drew something anyway," said Evgeny Gerasimov, artistic director of the Malaya Ordynka Theater and the Moscow Academic Satire Theater. — The muse was always there. He is the muse himself. I knew what I wanted. And he wanted happiness, peace, love and sunshine.

Tsereteli took an active part in the creative life of the country. He was the main artist of the Olympic Games held in Moscow in 1980. In 1997, he was elected president of the Russian Academy of Arts. Colleagues in the creative workshop fondly remember Zurab Konstantinovich.

— I participated in his projects as a friend. I'm glad he was friends with me. Sincerely, truly. It's a big loss for me. Eternal memory," Nikas Safronov told Izvestia.

Zurab Konstantinovich was also respected by the country's top officials. Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to his family and friends.

— A talented artist, sculptor, and an outstanding representative of multinational Russian culture has passed away. Zurab Tsereteli devoted himself to the ascetic service of art, was open to good, noble deeds and endeavors. The bright memory of this remarkable man will forever remain in the hearts of relatives, friends, students, and all admirers of his generous, original talent," reads the message of the head of state on the Kremlin's website.

A memorial service will also be held in Tsereteli's native land. The funeral of Zurab Konstantinovich will be held in the Didubian Pantheon of Georgia. He will rest next to his wife Inessa Andronikashvili.