| Sergey Frolov: "I wanted to work in the church even
while still in the Art School. After graduation I became a conservationist of art and worked with icons, because I didn't want to be "just one more mediocre artist", and because I wanted to contribute to preserving at least a part of the great heritage we received from the really great artists." |
In early 90-s one of the oldest churches in Irkutsk- Epiphany Cathedral (built in early 18th century) after years and years was turned back to Irkutsk Diocese and again became a place of Prayer and Worship.
Since the original decor of the cathedral was lost long time ago, it was decided to design a new iconostasis and also new frescos for the entire building of the cathedral.
At that time a group of very able and enthusiastic icon painters, headed by Sergey Frolov has been working on many commissions for newly opened churches in the area.
A new undertaking became a challenge not only due to a necessity to "tame" a new (for the team) technic of fresco, but also to find the most suitable way to present in frescos important teachings of the Russian Orthodox Church, which will work "for and with " people who are discovering or re-discovering their faith and seek support in Christianity. And to remain faithful to a tradition of Old Russian art.
People who dedicated their time and found a special meaning of their own lives in keeping the tradition alive are: Sergey Frolov, Michael Lutaenko, Irina Gorbunova, Elena Aleshina- painters; Alexander Permyakov (wood carver, sculptor) and Tamara Kruchkova (art historian).
This work is still underway.
