Zurab Tsereteli Celebrates 90 Years of Life, Art, and Service
The focus of recent conversations with the renowned artist Zurab Tsereteli has been a blend of longevity, creativity, and public duty. When asked about the secret to a long life, Tsereteli offered two possibilities. He suggested that the benefit of good genes inherited from his family might play a part, but he also credited the continuous flow of ideas that keeps him engaged. He believes staying active in work and maintaining a sense of purpose are essential to his vitality.
In his thoughts on daily living, he emphasized keeping faith, cherishing people, and remaining devoted to work. He plans to mark his 90th birthday surrounded by loved ones while dedicating a portion of the day to work in his studio, underscoring his lifelong commitment to creation and craft.
At the moment, Tsereteli is pursuing multiple projects. He continues a series exploring Russian history through visual imagery and expresses an interest in portraying his teachers, notably the painter Vasily Shukhaev, in new works. This dual focus reflects a long-standing interest in both national heritage and artistic lineage.
On January 4, the nation’s leaders acknowledged Tsereteli’s wide-ranging talent and his contributions to culture. The president highlighted his versatility, original approach, and ongoing involvement in pedagogy and organizational work, while wishing him robust health and happiness for the years ahead. The leadership also recognized his desire to serve the homeland through culture and education.
Since 1997, Tsereteli has led the Russian Academy of Arts. He established the Zurab Tsereteli Art Gallery and remains the founder and director of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art, underscoring his role in shaping Russia’s modern artistic scene and nurturing new generations of artists. His leadership extends beyond galleries to institutions that foster public engagement with contemporary art.
Earlier conversations with Mashkov touched on supernatural elements and cinema, suggesting a broader curiosity about storytelling and the ways it intersects with history and myth. These ideas echo across Tsereteli’s work, which often blends historical narrative with bold, imaginative visuals.