Public Disclaimer: News about Anna Bokov
Response to Unfounded Allegations in 2023.
In light of recent accusations, I feel compelled to address the matter and provide a clear statement to refute any unfounded claims. Several months ago, a cogent op-ed written by NYU Professor Peder Anker criticized Anna Bokov's exhibition on Russian and Soviet Architecture at The Cooper Union during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Subsequently, inflamed discussions arose in various news outlets' comment sections that I was involved in the op-ed's creation.
I had numerous conversations with colleagues about the exhibition's insensitive timing for Ukrainians. Rather than publicly addressing the issue as proposed by a news website, I redirected the request to my friend Peder Anker and supported the cause. It is important to note that I had no intention of making any public statements about Anna Bokov, with whom I shared a personal relationship spanning over 20 years. I consistently uphold rigorous standards of public behavior, etiquette, and impartiality, ensuring a clear separation from any remarks concerning Ms. Bokov's work or personal life.
Unfortunately, I have become aware of baseless accusations leveled against me by Ms. Bokov, including allegations of verbal threats towards her spouse. I adamantly deny these claims. I affirm that I have had no contact with Ms. Bokov for a period exceeding three years, and I have never had met anyone who claims to be her husband. It is essential to note that, following the conclusion of my personal involvement with Ms. Bokov in 2019, I made a conscious decision to separate myself from any public undertakings associated with her.
Moreover, I would like to address my collaboration on Ms. Bokov's research project, which ultimately led to the publication of her book Avant-Garde as Method: Vkhutemas and the Pedagogy of Space,1920–1930. Despite actively participating in the project for a significant duration, involving at least three years of working alongside Ms. Bokov, meticulously proofreading the manuscript, engaging in scholarly debates concerning historical artifacts, conducting research visits to archives in Moscow, critically reviewing visual materials, and contributing to the overall text refinement, my name was inexplicably omitted from the book's list of credits. It is worth noting that I am not the only individual who experienced this omission, as there were other key contributors who assisted in the research. Such an omission leads me to question the professional acumen and conduct of Ms. Bokov, irrespective of any personal or private misgivings.
In conclusion, I affirm the allegations made against me are patently false. I trust that this public disclaimer will provide the necessary clarification and alleviate any misconceptions surrounding my involvement in the matters at hand.
Moscow, Russia. 26th Jan, 2017. Russian President Vladimir Putin presents Andrei Bokov title of “National Architect of the Russian Federation”. Photo courtesy of Alamy Stock Photo.