Zurab Tsereteli, Celebrated Sculptor, Passes Away at 91

Tsereteli's controversial sculptures and significant contributions to global art will be fondly remembered despite mixed public reception.

Georgian-Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli, whose larger-than-life sculptures have sparked both admiration and debate, has died at the age of 91. Born in Tbilisi, Tsereteli gained fame for his massive monuments, including a towering 98m (321ft) tribute to Tsar Peter the Great in Moscow—a figure notorious for his disdain for the city he founded.

Rising to prominence during the Soviet era, Tsereteli was the lead designer for Moscow's 1980 Olympic Games and crafted monumental projects in various cities across the globe. His close ties to the Russian political elite, most notably his commendation of President Vladimir Putin’s "healthy soul," greatly influenced his artistic vision, including a bronze depiction of the leader.

In response to Tsereteli's passing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that he was "an artist of world renown," whose contributions bridged boundaries and fostered peace through creativity. She expressed that his spirit would endure through his work.

Despite mixed feelings among Moscow residents about the Peter the Great monument, which many found unsightly, Tsereteli's artistry garnered immense respect within art circles. He served as the president of the Russian Academy of Arts, paving the way for younger generations of artists.

Tsereteli's impactful sculptures exist in multiple countries, including his Christopher Columbus monument in Seville, Spain, and the Chronicle of Georgia in his native Tbilisi. One of his noteworthy pieces, the Tear of Grief monument in New Jersey, honors the victims of the 9/11 attacks and was gifted to the U.S. by Russia.

Another significant sculpture titled Good Defeats Evil resides at the United Nations Headquarters, symbolizing nuclear disarmament following historical treaties between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Not without controversy, Tsereteli sparked debates in France when a vast bronze statue of Pope John Paul II was erected, raising questions regarding France's secularism laws. His project, Birth of the New World, one of the tallest sculptures worldwide at 110m (360ft), faced rejection from various cities in the U.S. before finding a home in Puerto Rico.

In addition to his monumental work, Tsereteli also painted and contributed to the architectural reconstruction of Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, cementing his diverse legacy in the arts.