Somerville, Mass - Meanwhile, back in the Russian Federation, former President Putin reveals yet another talent. Not only is he a black belt in judo, a tackler of tigers and a former KGB spy, he also has a sensitive side... he is an artist.
Putin's first painting was auctioned off for charity a few weeks ago, fetching over $1 million from a local collector. Putin was given the word uzor, or "pattern" as the theme of his painting. He chose to paint a frosty window, adorned with Ukrainian cross-stitched curtains, framing a view of the night sky. Art critic Richard Dorment provides more indepth analysis here.
Western journalists were quick to point out the irony of the Ukrainian theme of Putin's painting, considering the recent dispute over Russia's supply of natural gas to Ukraine. According to the Daily Telegraph "the theme is replete with ironic symbolism with even the frost encrusted windows unwittingly suggesting freezing homes across central Europe after Mr Putin ordered all supplies through Europe to be cut."
It's brilliant, really. On the surface he's a sensitive artist. But underlying the pretty picture is a foreboding threat...
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