The sculpture world in Russia welcomed a new moment in Orenburg as artist Alexander Sukmanov introduced a sketch for a forthcoming statue. The planned monument honors two notable figures connected to the city’s cultural memory: Yuri Shatunov, the popular singer, and Sergei Kuznetsov, the founder of the band Tender May. The unveiling of the sketch marked a milestone in Sukmanov’s career, highlighting a project deeply rooted in local pride and national music history.
Sukmanov explained the personal resonance that drew him to this commission. He noted that the request resonated with many Russians, including residents of Orenburg who rarely encounter such celebrity-scale tributes. The artist emphasized his devotion to his hometown, which shaped the focus of much of his work. When the opportunity arose to sculpt Shatunov’s likeness, he felt compelled to respond. The process began with a meeting with Kuznetsov, who suggested the ideal site for the installation. This collaboration laid the groundwork for what would become a shared project among partners who aimed to honor two influential figures connected to the city and to Russian pop culture.
The maquette—crafted with soft materials at a 1:3 scale—captures a moment from a recent joint photograph of Shatunov and Kuznetsov. The image was taken at a concert held in Orenburg just over a year prior to the sculpture’s creation, underscoring the intimate link between the artists and the region. Both Yuri Shatunov and Sergei Kuznetsov passed away in 2022, their legacies continuing to inspire new generations of music lovers and supporters of public art in the city.
Earlier plans had indicated that a monument to Shatunov would be erected at his gravesite in 2023. The current project, however, expands on that intention by bringing together the singer’s memory with Kuznetsov’s role in Tender May, offering visitors a tangible pause to reflect on their contributions to music and culture. This work stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit that charity sculptures and artistic commissions often embody, turning private memories into public monuments that can be shared by many.