Ghiorgo Zafiropulo Sculptor & Philosopher

Ghiorgo Zafiropulo then reunited these three jumps into one work which he entitled “Ballons”. Balloons (jumpers) at all times have represented the symbol of freedom. The first model was Yuri Soloviev, particularly known for the power and virtuosity of his jumps and nicknamed “cosmonaut Yuri”. It is not only for their dynamic qualities that he chose to incorporate the indomitable rebel Nora Kovach and Rudolf Nureyev in this work. These jumps symbolizing the energy of freedom whereby the dancers chose to escape the deprivation of liberty they suffered in Eastern Europe by fleeing to the west in 1958 and 1961 respectively. Thus the aesthetic power of this work is magnified by its symbolic meaning. It touches us profoundly.