Polinin’s meteoric rise began during Soviet times, but even today he still enjoys an international following. His snow show has proven a hit around the globe, including the theatre hubs of London and New York.

The artist’s important role in Russian culture has led to one prolific photographer making him the star of his next project.

Photographer Vladimir Mushukov spent two years following around Russia’s most famous clown, both on and off stage, and the end product is a glimpse into the life of this prolific performer behind the makeup.

“We started trusting each other more,” Mushikov told RT. “Slava very rarely models without makeup on, but we tried it, even though having makeup was part or our original agreement. If he didn’t wear it, to start with, he would have shut himself in even more and would perhaps have put on a different kind of mask. But we managed to get past that.”

The month-long exhibition will display all the fun, frolic and fairy tale the public expects from a prized joker. However, the main draw is much more than just clowning around.

“I would say these pictures show a new side to Polunin,” one of the exhibition visitors told RT. “There is something here we don’t see in plays. It’s funny. A different side of him.”

“The stereotype of a clown is a person who makes people laugh, but Slava Polunin gives us the concept of a lonely, sad clown,” another visitor said. “One with secret grief. There is always a second or a third layer to him. It’s amazing.”

The exhibition runs until October 9 in the Manezh Hall near the Kremlin.