Zurab Tsereteli: a separate planet, fire and water

Zurab Tsereteli is 90. The master celebrates his anniversary with his characteristic breadth – a series of exhibitions. Three opened just before the New Year: the permanent exhibition of the artist’s works was expanded in the Tretyakov Gallery, and the master’s paintings were shown in the “Here on Taganka” gallery and in the Kitay-Gorod Gallery. And on January 17, Gallery A3 will present enamel and small sculptures by Zurab Konstantinovich. The head of the Russian Academy of Arts sent one of his paintings, with the romantic name “Sailboat”, as a gift to the team of the Russian Antarctic station “Bellingshausen”. The most valuable thing for a world-famous monumentalist is his work and family. The photo album that we looked through together with the famous painter, sculptor and teacher is direct confirmation of this.

As you know, names are not given just like that. And it only seems to people that they are choosing a name for their child, but in fact, the name itself finds the one to whom it will belong from birth. So the name of our hero of the day – Zurab – came from Arab culture. It is believed that Zurab is a version of the Georgian name Zuhrab, which comes from the Arabic name for the planet Venus – Zehra. It is common in many cultures, but is most often found in Armenia, the Caucasus and Georgia – the translation also varies depending on the country. So in Georgia Zurab is translated as “precious scarlet stone”, that is, “ruby”. In Armenia it means “fragrant” or “divine”. But according to another version, the name Zurab is of ancient Persian origin, and from this language it is translated as “fire and water.” But be that as it may, in relation to Zurab Tsereteli everything will be on point – he is both a planet and a precious stone, and there is no doubt that he is also fire and water. To this we should certainly add – one who does good.

“I see in him a future great painter,” said Pablo Picasso after meeting Zurab Tsereteli in 1964. At the same time, while studying in Paris, the 30-year-old artist had the opportunity to meet both Salvador Dali and Marc Chagall, who also recognized the talent of the young master. On the wave of the thaw, a native of a family of an untitled branch of an ancient princely family, a graduate of the Tbilisi Academy of Arts, a senior master of the design workshop of the Georgian Art Fund, spread his wings to confirm Picasso’s words with deeds and take off. Tsereteli left the design workshop and began exhibiting all over the world – Brazil, England, Spain, USA, France, Japan, Lithuania, Belarus, Georgia. In Russia, the fame of the Georgian master also grew by leaps and bounds. As a result, in 1980, Tsereteli received a responsible mission – to act as the main artist of the Olympic Games. And in 1997 he headed the Russian Academy of Arts.

Zurab Konstantinovich loves scale, is always hospitable, and almost never lets go of his pencil or brush. Character determines his creativity. He created not only the famous games of 1980 on a grand scale – he creates everything with skill and Olympic speed. Be it painting (and this is more than five thousand canvases), or sculpture. The Master’s most famous monuments are indicative – “Friendship Forever”, “Good Conquers Evil”, Peter I”, “Tear of Sorrow” – they have scope and kindness. The tireless artist has juggled hundreds of things throughout his life – leading the Academy of Arts (headed for 27 years), for whose prestige he has done a lot. As well as for contemporary art, founding the Moscow Museum of Modern Art in 1995, which four years later became the first state museum in the country entirely dedicated to contemporary art. In March 2016, he was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. His “engine” is goodness and art, it is they that give him the energy that he generously gives to people.

So, let’s look through the family album of Zurab Tsereteli.

Childhood memories are always especially warm. Here I am with my artist uncle Georgiy Nizharadze. He was my first teacher, he inspired me, thanks to him I started drawing. We studied with him, went to the zoo, to the open air. Many famous artists with whom he was friends came to his house – David Kakabadze, Sergo Kobaladze, Ucha Japaridze, Lado Gudiashvili, Klitschka Akhvlediani.

Here I am with my father, Konstantin Ivanovich, and my wife, Inessa Andronikashvili. In the beginning, my father did not approve of my choice to become an artist. He believed that this was not a profession for a man. But then, when my projects started, he became my biggest fan. In his room, all the walls were covered with photographs and notes about my successes. Inessa has been my muse all my life, the keeper of the family hearth, my powerful rear. Thanks to her wisdom, love, and support, I was able to discover myself. She was a brilliant woman, many today remember the goodness and light that she knew how to give to people. Now I see it in my daughter Lika.

I feel best in the workshop – at work. Now I spend most of my time in Peredelkino, there is a very cozy workshop there, large windows. I wrote all my new works here. Nature, loved ones and loved ones always inspire, strength and energy increase.

My grandchildren often come to see me in Peredelkino. I am pleased that they share their thoughts with me, talk about their ideas and projects. Here is my grandson Zurab. He always has his own view on everything, unlike others. I’m interested in his opinion – young people have their own vision! Well, I often paint their portraits – relatives give special energy!

My grandchildren and great-grandchildren are my wealth. And painting a portrait of loved ones and relatives is the greatest joy. Here my granddaughter, Victoria, and I are preparing to paint her portrait. Now she is already 23 years old, she is an adult young lady, but for me she will always remain a child!

In this photo, my daughter Lika, grandson Vasily with his wife Kira and wonderful children – my great-grandchildren Alexander, Nikolai, Philip and Imperia. Despite the fact that the children are studying, and we adults are always busy with work, we find time to be together.

My home is always open to friends, guests are always welcome there. This is a tradition that our ancestors gave us. And I continue it. The joy of communicating with friends is a source of inspiration. Alas, many of my friends are no longer with me, but they continue to live in my heart. And I appreciate all the close, beloved people who are still around today.

In the photo: next to Zurab Tsereteli, Anna Shatilova, Tamara Gverdtsiteli and Vladimir Berezin, poets Andrei Dementyev and Ilya Reznik with their spouses.