Babunich first met a Moldovan citizen named Sergei back in the 2000s, when he was detained without documents at the Ukrainian border – the artist explained that he wanted to paint pictures in the open air in Paris. Then the offender failed to fulfill his dream, but he did not give up – after that he made three more attempts to illegally get to Paris from Moldova through Ukraine.
“Because he told me the same things, I remember him very well,” Babunich said.
Meeting in Paris
Over time, the border guard was transferred to Paris to guard the Ukrainian diplomatic establishment. Walking around Montmartre on his day off, he unexpectedly saw Sergei among the street artists – he was sitting at an easel, waiting for clients. Babunich sat down next to him and asked to draw his portrait.
“I tell him: “Sergey, did you think I wouldn’t find you?” Babunich described his meeting with the artist.
According to the border guard, the artist did not recognize him, but felt awkward and wanted to end the meeting as quickly as possible.
According to Babunich, when saying goodbye, he promised Sergei to return, but did not see him in Montmartre again.
“The only thing left as a keepsake is a portrait painted by an illegal artist who finally made it to his Paris,” the post says.
