Nikas Safronov proposed a variant of the monument to Boris Moiseev: “Like Khrushchev’s”

“The main thing is not to save on this business, he did not deserve this”

The grave of Boris Moiseev is today considered one of the most visited at the Troekurovsky cemetery. Dozens of his fans come here every day. As a result, the artist’s burial place is simply buried in flowers. Fans carefully look after the grave and are already thinking about what the monument to Moiseev should be like. People’s Artist of Russia Nikas Safronov, in an interview with MK, offered his own version.

“Boris was a creative person and his tombstone should be non-banal, based on an interesting artistic concept,” Nikas believes. But at the same time it is clear, concise, not pompous. Yes, during his lifetime, Borya liked to shock the public. But it was the image of an artist, Moiseev’s inner world remained completely different – in ordinary life he was a rather modest person, very kind and well-mannered.

– At one time, Khrushchev smashed an exhibition of avant-garde artists to smithereens, scolded the sculptor Ernst Neizvestny very much, called his work “degenerate art.” But it was the Unknown who made a monument to him after his death – and this was the will of Nikita Sergeevich himself, – continues Safronov. – I think that Boris can also make a similar pedestal: about the same as Khrushchev’s – so that his face can be seen. I hope that professional people will be engaged in the creation of the tombstone. Because now there are a lot of amateurs. Sometimes you look at the monuments to famous people and wonder: how did relatives decide to install something like that? If Boris’s relatives do not want a bust, then it can be made in the form of broken columns. They also look very impressive. The main thing is not to save on this business. Moiseev did not deserve this. He lived for his audience. And they, coming to his grave, should experience only positive emotions.

Nikas also spoke about the fact that in recent years, Boris Moiseev was not a recluse, despite the consequences of a stroke.

He led the way of life that he considered necessary, – the artist shared with us. He didn’t want too much fuss. And it was his choice. At the same time, sometimes he went out into the light. For example, he appeared at the birthday party of Christina Orbakaite, whom he considered one of the closest people in his life. He enjoyed talking with friends. Aziza told me that she called him regularly. He was always in a good mood. Therefore, all talk about his seclusion is complete nonsense. He was always in contact with close people.