Sculptor and painter Zurab Tsereteli passed away on April 22, 2025, at the age of 91. The prominent artist, who served as the president of the Russian Academy of Arts, died at approximately 1:30 AM, as confirmed by his assistant, Sergei Shagulashvili.
Zurab Tsereteli, born on January 4, 1934, in Tbilisi, Georgia, was a towering figure in the world of art, known for his monumental works and diverse artistic contributions. He founded several prestigious institutions, including the Moscow Museum of Modern Art in 1995, the Zurab Tsereteli Art Gallery of the Russian Academy of Arts in 2000, and the Museum of Modern Art in Tbilisi, Georgia, in 2012.
His artistic legacy encompasses over 5,000 works spanning painting, graphics, sculpture, and monumental decorative art. Among his most notable creations are the "Friendship Forever" monument in Moscow, the "Good Defeats Evil" sculpture located in front of the UN building in New York, and the "Break the Wall of Distrust" piece in London. Tsereteli's works are not only significant in Russia but also grace locations in Belarus, Brazil, Great Britain, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, the USA, France, and Japan.
His assistant noted that Tsereteli had been suffering from health issues, particularly heart problems, leading to his passing from cardiac arrest. Shagulashvili stated, "Yes, it happened today, April 22, 2025, at half past one in the morning," and mentioned that details regarding the farewell ceremony and funeral would be decided later.
Throughout his illustrious career, Tsereteli was recognized with numerous accolades. He was a People's Artist of the USSR and later of the Russian Federation. His contributions to art earned him a full holder of the Order "For Services to the Fatherland" and the title of Hero of Socialist Labor in 1990.
His artistic journey began early; he showed an interest in drawing while attending a secondary school in Tbilisi, where his uncle, a local artist, introduced him to many notable Georgian artists. Tsereteli graduated from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, although his initial diploma work, "Song of Tbilisi," was rejected for formalism. Undeterred, he produced a new piece in just a week, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his craft.
In the late 1960s, Tsereteli ventured abroad for the first time, meeting with French President Charles de Gaulle in Paris and visiting Pablo Picasso's studio, where he received encouragement from the legendary artist. His international exposure would later influence his work, as he became known for creating significant monuments that often conveyed messages of peace and unity.
Among his many projects, Tsereteli played a crucial role in the creation of the new Church of Christ the Savior in Moscow. His artistic vision extended to various public spaces, where he designed monumental sculptures that sparked both admiration and debate. The statue of Peter the Great, which commemorates the 300th anniversary of the Russian Navy, remains a subject of discussion regarding its artistic merit and placement in Moscow.
In addition to his monumental works, Tsereteli's exhibitions have been showcased in prestigious venues, including the Tretyakov Gallery and the Konstantinovsky Palace. His ability to evoke strong emotions through his art made him a polarizing figure; many either loved or loathed his creations, but few could ignore them.
As news of Tsereteli's death spread, tributes poured in from across the art community and beyond, recognizing his contributions to the cultural landscape of Russia and the world. His works, characterized by their grand scale and ambitious themes, will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
Zurab Tsereteli's passing marks the end of an era in Russian art, as he leaves behind a rich legacy of creativity and innovation. His influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, as his monumental sculptures and artworks remain integral to the artistic heritage of not only Russia but also the global art community.
