During the anniversary of the Soviet counteroffensive near Moscow, the Museum of Contemporary History of Russia hosted a painting presentation honoring the defenders of the capital. The work titled My Grandfather Fought for Moscow was created as part of the Immortal Regiment of Russia project, according to the organization’s press service.
As Natalya Shadrina, chair of the executive committee for the Immortal Regiment of Russia, explained, the project My Grandfather Fought for Moscow continued for most of the previous year. Russians from across the country shared personal stories about the heroes who helped secure the victory, as the battle for Moscow drew nearer.
We selected the most compelling narratives. It was essential to demonstrate how a diverse group of people came together to defend the capital, and how selflessness and unity defined their efforts to halt the enemy advance toward Moscow.
Based on the 20 strongest submissions, the artist Alexei Kryukov created a single composition that captures a generalized image of Moscow’s defenders. The winners’ heroes are placed at the center, with each face rendered from the photographs provided in the competition.
In Kryukov’s words, painting the canvas felt sacred and meaningful. He emphasized a belief in fostering genuine patriotic values among the youth, noting that the artwork was created with that purpose in mind.
The exhibition’s backdrop features modern techniques that assemble portraits of all veterans whose stories were submitted into a photo mosaic. Beside the painting, an interactive display invites visitors to explore the veterans’ stories in depth.
After the painting ceremony, the competition winners and participants of the thematic quiz dedicated to the Battle of Moscow visited the Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Hill. They were given a guided tour of the Battle of Moscow exhibit and were honored with a festive concert. Diplomas and gifts were presented to all project winners during the event.
It is worth noting that the My Grandfather Fought for Moscow project was realized within the Emotional Moscow grant initiative sponsored by the Mayor of Moscow.