Russia
Visit to the Putin-portraiti most
Nikas Safronov combines artistic Talent and business sense. The Russian deserves with Portraits of the Mighty of this world, millions. Also Vladimir Putin paints – and revered – Safronov. From Moscow Mandlmeier.
Breathtaking is the view from the roof terrace in the Brjusov street 17 in Moscow’s historic old town. “Do you see the glass roof of my neighbors? There Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow”, smiles Nikas Safronov. His Smile reveals: “It is.”
We go, Oh what: We stroll on the spacious roof terrace of a six-storey building. And enjoy the Russian metropolis from above, in the Golden evening light. The with natural wood, precious metal and with gray padded seats furnished terrace the maritim minimalist seems to be fenced rather than Russian rustic. The roof opens on all four sides, even to the Red square.
“But Putin is waving to you yet, have you?” I joke, and realize that My conversation partner has registered the joke, but more than a forced Smile, he does not want to conjure him on the lips: “sits a little further.” Putin Nikas Safronov seriously.
“Putin is doing things no one dared in front of him – except for Jesus Christ, maybe. In front of Putin I have great respect,” says the 60-year-old artist and makes the view a corner of Hiking. From there, the Russian state smiles at us peacefully-in-chief, of a Portrait, wrapped in transparent film. Very, as he would be with the answer of his painter satisfied. Next to him the image of a Siberian tiger in front of the churches of the Kremlin – picturesque.
Safronov like what he paints. In this case, Vladimir Putin
“Putin is a Winner”
“I paint faces that are interesting. No one wants to see the lottery losers. But everyone wants to learn the winner. Putin is one of them: a professional, A man, a Patriot. One that I think is interesting.”
Nikas Safronov is a legend among contemporary Russian artists, and this opinion is not alone. In the “Golden” district, a ten minute walk from the Kremlin, the winners of the new Russia, the so-called Patriarch’s ponds life. People with money, very much money. You pay for Living in similar prices as in London or Paris – where many of them have more apartments. Here in their precious nests within the Moscow garden ring at home. Annoying subway-smell. Instead, the air will be impregnated by the fumes of the well-most of the Mercedes S-class sedans per square meter in the world. Some oligarchs wife has a holiday house here, and a chic Boutique. You should not get bored in the woody country to the oligarchs of the quarter Rubljowka outside of the garden ring Yes.
Nikas Safronov knows no boredom. From humble beginnings in provincial Ulyanovsk motorway, he has worked for long since the Status of one of the most famous and the richest Russian artists. All the turmoil of the 90s, Despite the Hunger of the Russians, according to all that is New in the rich 2000s. Safronov enjoys its reputation: A party animal, a welcome guest, darling of the glossy press. The Loren and Gorbachev, Bush Junior and Bill Clinton, all he has made. A plaque with photos decorating his office.
$ 40 Million Residential-Installation
Safronov looks amazingly young, as he asks in a denim shirt and with long hair in the house: A neo-Gothic, sacred knight, dark rustic-looking rarity collection. An 800-square-foot castle, built in a simple constructivist Sowjetbau from the 1920s. No matter how you find this style: The alleged forty million Dollar residential Installation probably makes no one indifferent. “On the authenticity of the exhibits, I”, – emphasized Safronov while he was putting on a knight’s mask made of sheet metal over the head.
What he needs, I want to know: The French Napoleon table, the Roman frescoes and the valuable Russian icons? “Because the good here.” And because he could afford it. Taste or not.
Nikas Safronov is a Hero of his time. He has used them in the phase of upheaval in Russia, the favor of the hour. He has always adjusted. His Style? A mixture of everything. He calls it the “Dream Vision”. Most of the money brought to the Portraits. Arab kings, Central Asian rulers, the Russian regional princes. Men with money. And Putin. Supposedly personally known. He does not want to talk to you. He was not political, but about policy. Quietly, casually, distinctive.
Safronov and the Siberian Tiger
“Russia has always lived according to their own laws”
“The West is using Russia as a deterrent. But this is false. Russia remains an important part of this world. Without Russia there is no Germany, no Poland and no Europe. The world cannot exist without Russia. So how in the world can’t exist without bees. Although they will sting from time to time.”
The upcoming Duma elections? “Not important.” On the presidential election. And the first in two years. Nevertheless, Safronov will also go to the Duma elections. So the West will finally understand that Russia is invincible. “It is neither Communist are still European. Russia has always lived according to their own laws. And went his own way.”
The artist apologizes. At the top of the roof for children to wait. A dozen boys and girls who want to draw with the master. The beautiful Siberian Tiger. In front of the churches of the Kremlin.