New perspectives on a Boris Moiseev monument sparked by artist critique
Artist Nikas Safronov shared his thoughts with the PROZVEZD portal about the monument dedicated to Boris Moiseev. He suggested that the sculptor could have injected more imagination into the work.
Safronov pointed out a doubtful likeness: not every observer can discern Boris Moiseev’s facial traits. A gesture, a sweeping hand motion, or an enigmatic movement is intended to resemble dance, but it may not be immediately legible. He emphasized that the sculptor approached the task with seriousness and professionalism, yet he believes there was room for a more inventive interpretation.
According to the artist, the statue bears strong similarities to other monuments that honor figures who played prominent roles in the upheavals of the 1990s. He feels the deceased singer’s acquaintances hoped the monument would capture the core traits of Moiseev, highlighting sensitivity and sincerity.
Safronov also noted that even with a hard bronze surface, the subject could be rendered as spiritual and vulnerable. It is possible the sculptor intended Moiseev to be perceived precisely as he saw him. In Safronov’s view, this still stands in contrast to newer pedestal designs, where it can be unclear whether the figure represents a real person or something more abstract.
The work’s author is sculptor Philip Trushin. The architect described the pose of Moiseev as symbolic of the artist’s forward-thinking approach to post-Soviet choreography and the evolution of popular culture.
Recent public discourse around the monument has also touched on statements made by other public figures in relation to the broader context of the artwork and its reception.