The artistic legacy of the Ural sculptor Vitaly Zaikov

When referring to the sculpture legacy of the South Ural region, the problem of preserving the cultural legacy arises. The article is devoted to the legacy of the sculptor Vitaly S. Zaikov. His work reflects the general rise of culture and art in the post-war time. The study systematizes the stages of the sculptor’s work, presents an analysis of the author’s artistic material, and traces the process of his plastic solutions and compositions. The periods of the master’s work are presented in a historical perspective, his artistic contribution to the art of the Urals is determined. The article deals with sculptural objects: monumental, park, interior, portraits, small forms, and sculptural sketches and graphics of the sculptor. A close connection between the fate of the sculptor and the stages of the historical development of the region and the country as a whole is revealed. The reflection of the times spirit in the character and plastics of his works reflecting a hero in the style of socialist realism is revealed.