Oldest Surviving Soviet Sculptor Tells All

Nikolai Nikogosyan appeared to have many stories to tell when I saw him interviewed on the History Channel the other night. Well into his 90s, Nikolai still looks spry and alert. It was just too bad the host didn't see fit to translate what he had to say. Instead, he showed a few of his more famous bronze castings.

Fortunately, there is this piece from Passport magazine, noting his 90th birthday in 2008. Nikogosyan's work can be found all through the former Imperium. Perhaps his most famous work is that associated with the New Building of the Moscow University, which he started back in the 50s. I like his beautiful stone sculpture of Maya Plisetskaya pictured above. He also has a wonderful hand for painting.

Much of his Soviet era work remains in place. His contemporary pieces break free from the bonds set at the time. Here is the artist at work.

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Ward No. 6

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Chekhov's Gun

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