Bust of Lenin, landmark in Azov, Rostov oblast Russia
The Bust of Lenin in Taganrog is a concrete sculpture depicting Lenin's head with a serious expression, placed in a public area of the city. Created in 1978 by sculptor B. A. Plenkin and architect S. Tserkovnikov, it stands on a sturdy stone pedestal and shows weathered surfaces from exposure to the elements over decades.
The monument was erected in 1978 when such sculptures were integral to Soviet commemorative culture and public memory. In recent decades, public debate about the fate of these statues has shifted, with proposals to relocate or repair the bust reflecting broader changes in how the city relates to its past.
The bust stands as a relic of an era when such monuments were widespread across the Soviet Union and shaped public spaces throughout the country. Today it remains part of the everyday landscape and prompts residents and visitors to reflect on historical continuity and shifting perspectives.
The bust is located near city administration in a publicly accessible area and is easy to find and view. Visitors can walk up close at any time to examine the stone pedestal and concrete sculpture, as well as observe the weathering and aging of the materials.
Repair work in 2014 drew attention when workers were observed using tape to fix granite slabs on the pedestal, revealing unconventional and widely discussed maintenance methods for such a monument. This episode sparked public attention and commentary from residents, highlighting how the city managed upkeep of the sculpture.
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