PUTIN IDOLISED IN GIANT PAINTINGS

Unveiled in Istiklal Street, Russian artist Alexander Donskoy celebrated President Putin in four giant paintings in central Istanbul Turkey.

His intention was to show the good ties between Ankara and Moscow despite the spat over Syria. Unfortunately, Donskoy's project, “Putin is Russia?” project unveiled in Istiklal Street, Istanbul, was taken down by authorities because he had not received permission to display them there. The artist felt that relations with Russian were strained and so wanted to show in art form how the Russians view their president, as a super hero.

Turkey and Russia are on opposing sides of the Syrian conflict but had collaborated to reach a political solution, while cementing relations in the defence and energy sectors. Regrettably the Russian offensive in Idlib province has got in the way of any solution. Ankara and Moscow have accused each other of flouting agreements to stop violence in Idlib.

News reports this week say the Russian ambassador to Turkey has actually received several death threats since 13 Turkish troops were killed in Idlib in Syrian government attacks.

The artist said he wanted to provoke emotions in passers-by on the street of Istanbul to see their reactions. He said he is hoping to have more exhibits elsewhere and even abroad in America. Donskoy styles himself as an ambassador of peace saying that any sanctions against Putin would be sanctions against themselves.

To see more of the remarkable Neo-Renaissance work of Alexander Donskoy visit: http://alexanderdonskoi.com/