This sculptural series is inspired by Vatslav Nijinsky, a genius of dance and a leading innovator of classical ballet. Zaytsev captures the expression, subtleness, brilliance, and eroticism of Nijinsky's movements in his flowing sculpture. The beauty and deep spirituality of a man absorbed in dance is portrayed through the lightness of sculptural form and the choice of intricate materials. Working on these sculptural pieces, Zaytsev was inspired by the few remaining photographs of Nijinsky in motion. Zaitsev also used sketches of costumes (by stage designers Leon Bakst and Alexander Benois) worn by Sergei Diaghilev's Russian Ballet in its performances from 1907-1912 in St. Petersburg and Paris.
Photo: Vatslav Nijinsky as the Favorite Slave in the ballet "Schéhérazade",
Paris, 1910
