Putin's court painter Nikas Safronov lands second Exibart cover in months

Italian art magazine Exibart has sparked controversy by featuring Russian painter Nikas Safronov on the cover of its latest print issue (no. 131). Safronov, known as Vladimir Putin's semi-official portraitist and a vocal admirer of the Russian leader, has been aggressively seeking visibility in European cultural media. Artribune reports that Safronov's team previously approached them offering payment for interviews and cover space, but was refused and only allowed to purchase advertising. Exibart, however, has given Safronov extensive coverage: an interview in 2025, multiple articles, a first cover in autumn 2025, and now a second cover in February 2026. The cover image depicts a child carrying a Stalin banner, a soldier with a rifle, and a tank. Social media backlash followed, with critical comments on Instagram and deleted posts on Facebook. Artribune questions whether Exibart independently considers Safronov artistically meritorious or was financially compensated, noting the ethical and political implications of platforming a Putin ally amid Russia's soft power efforts in Europe.