The Siberian Cat art object installed in the center of Barnaul was taken down after local residents raised concerns. The sculptor behind the piece, Nikola Pitersky, explained that the so-called “breast sculpture” stood on Lenin Avenue for only five hours. He noted that the placement had been coordinated with city officials, but the sculpture was later deemed unfit for the setting and removed.
“I anticipated some degree of uncertainty and a range of reactions”, Pitersky recalled. “I considered keeping it in a nightlife venue, but the final word from the culture ministry did not provide explicit approval that the artwork was acceptable. Tourism officials supported the project, yet the sculpture was installed only five hours earlier. Some observers believed the statue crossed a line of cruelty or provocation. They began pressing authorities to act, asking why such a piece was allowed. The gender of the cat became a point of discussion as well; a reversed heart motif was used, suggesting the cat seeks a different kind of connection rather than a conventional target. The core message was not meant to be inflammatory, yet responses varied.”
After the installation, Pitersky noted a wave of critical comments on social media. Following the speedy dismantling, however, interest surged: people expressed a desire to see the Siberian Cat restored and even offered to acquire the artwork.
“The public reaction shifted quickly. Many began to criticize city management and the authorities who opposed the cat. Within two hours of its removal, the online conversation intensified, with many voices asking where the sculpture could be placed again and how to bring it back. The piece, which provoked strong feelings, polarized audiences in ways that reflected broader social tensions. There was no intention to clash with the mayor or to be provocative; the cat seemed to expose social rifts while prompting a strong emotional response whether it remained or was taken down”, Pitersky observed.
The artist expressed a wish to keep the Siberian Cat in Barnaul and to find a new location within the same hometown. He indicated that nearby supporters in Siberia were more inclined to keep the work in the region than to relocate it to a different city. Prospective sites included ski destinations like Manzherok and Sheregesh, or a bar-restaurant with a terrace where younger crowds gather, a setting perceived as less prone to intense backlash. In such a venue, fewer people would see it, including children who appreciate the cat’s charm and do not perceive it as offensive, Pitersky suggested.
Historically, the Siberian Cat was first placed on Leni Avenue in Barnaul. The sculpture depicted a cat wearing sunglasses and felt boots, seated in a chair with one paw raised. Above the figure was the caption, “Siberian cats are March every month!” Pitersky described the installation as a humorous piece with no deeper semantic burden, intended to lift the mood of local residents.
Subsequently, the Oktyabrsky district administration faced complaints from residents, and the artwork was dismantled on the day it went up, marking a swift end to the initial installation. The episode sparked discussions about public art, local governance, and the varied ways communities respond to provocative creative expressions. As stakeholders consider future placements, the conversation continues about how art can engage the public while respecting local norms and sensibilities. This ongoing dialogue highlights the dynamic relationship between cultural expression and civic spaces in Barnaul, a city that continues to explore how to celebrate creativity without sidelining diverse community perspectives. (Source: Barnaul regional press)