Patriotism with Kotik – BBC

In the Amur region Belogorsk May 6 opened a monument polite soldier with a cat in her arms, that, according to the authors of the composition, to symbolize the revival of Russian patriotism.

Russia’s first monument dedicated to the events of last year in the Crimea, will be on the central square of the Amur region Belogorsk. The figure of a soldier in full size (height of 1 meter 80 cm) is reproduced with a known reportage photography: War in full gear and a mask with a gun at the ready, holding a cat. In this way, the notorious well-armed “polite person” seems Belogorska Mayor Stanislav Melyukovu, who initiated the whole project.

Version sculpture was commissioned Kaslinsky foundry storing commonly known folk craft. Amurchane treated to a monumental project is not the first time: in the city of Blagoveshchensk is already made in Castle Monument to the Cossacks-migrants.

Figure of a soldier prepared under the direct supervision of the Chief of the sculptor Constantin workshops Gileva.

The monument is expected as a dominant Belogorska main square, which, as believe the locals, and the princes, are lacking cultural attractions. The mayor is confident that such a monument is sure to become a soldier. The ground on which is mounted a figure prepared carefully: decorative tiles laid out and now want to break around the square. Even video surveillance system installed.

Chetyrehsotkilogrammovuyu sculpture was taken to Belogorsk of Kasli (Chelyabinsk region), 29 April. Installation was carried out shapes in record time. The project was complicated by the fact that, according to the figure should not stand on the plinth.

On the contrary, “Polite soldiers” should be as close to the people who are walking around and past.

The main criterion for the success of the Mayor Belogorska considers the following: if they want to be photographed with the monument, then, the purpose of the authors achieved. It is from this point of view, and was organized by a fragment of urban space around the monument. It can be approached from either side, and freely take the picture.

On a question, not too hurried leaders Belogorska a monument so controversial events in the City Hall replied that it is not in the events, and in patriotism.

So reasoned the Commission on monumental art, which exists in Belogorsk, as in any other municipality in Russia. A spokesman for the administration Belogorska Marina Singer said that the city is very small sites, and they contribute to the development of the cultural environment and the formation of the feeling of home.

The more that a monument is installed on the donations of individuals and legal entities – residents and entrepreneurs. Anyway, it said so in the relevant decision of the City Council.