“The microphone is superfluous”: Nikas Safronov named the main shortcomings of the monument to Shatunov

“Would Yura himself like it?”

A monument to Yuri Shatunov was unveiled at the Troekurovsky cemetery. For the sake of this case, his widow and children came to Moscow from Germany. The monument is made of bronze and sits on a granite pedestal. Yuri is pictured with a microphone in his hand. The monument contains not only the singer’s first and last name, and the years of his life, but also his autograph.

Those present, the widow, children and friends of the singer, came to the conclusion that the monument looked decent. However, People’s Artist of Russia Nikas Safronov believes that there are still shortcomings. He told about them to MK correspondents.

– In general, the monument to Shatunov is worthy, – Nikas believes. – Before us is a classic monument. Without the frills and obscenity that we have seen lately: Lermontov, Little Red Riding Hood. It can be seen that the monument to Shatunov was made by a professional master. I think that Yuri as a whole would be pleased with how it turned out.

– True, in my opinion, the microphone in the hand is superfluous, – Safronov believes. – Shatunov was popular among those born in the 70s and 80s. This generation loves him, and the new one is already carried away by other artists. Perhaps, when many years have passed, and people no longer understand who this monument is to whom, when they see the microphone, they will understand that he was a singer. Maybe this is what the sculptor was counting on. Although Shatunov’s profession could be shown in a more subtle way. For example, Anatoly Papanov was presented more metaphorically: on his tombstone there are three granite steles, one of which is made in the form of a slightly open theater curtain.

– I was surprised by the size of the monument to Shatunov, – continues Safronov. – In life, Yura was very modest, did not like to boast of his popularity. And for this, too, many fans loved and respected him. And his monument is very tall: it is very striking from afar, standing out among other grave monuments. Would Yura himself like this?

Nikas believes that it was necessary to announce a competition for the layout of the monument to Shatunov. And choose the most suitable job.

“I’m sure there would be a large selection of sketches from different sculptors,” says Safronov. – However, since the family considered this option successful, then we must respect their opinion. Moreover, the master performed the task assigned to him professionally.