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Preface:
We realize that we can provide herewith only an incomplete, imperfect picture of the work and creativity of the
man, the esteemed personality Alexei Saveliev and that it would be presumptuous of us to try to do otherwise, since this would contradict his self-conception, his humble spirit and modest nature. We are
therefore fully aware that we cannot give an objective evaluation of what he created and strove for. In fact, on the one hand we feel overtaxed, while on the other we feel it is not our business, neither
is it necessary. We hold the view that his works and deeds speak for themselves.
There are
three main factors which should be borne in mind:
1. We lack clear information
and facts about his childhood and youth, his school
education and professional training and the first part of his life (1935-1944/48)
when he worked as make-up artist and photographer at the Kiew Theatre and in the
film studios
of Berlin.
He is said to have written a thesis (in English) on the importance of costumes and their
use in the world of theatre.
He has produced remarkable photographs
(a series of colour slides – Annual Cycle) for
a children’s book.
2. Began his studies in iconography,
fresco painting and Old-Christian Art in
Hamburg 1948-1950/51. Commenced working as iconographer of so-called “new
Icons” in Hamburg 1948-1950/51 during which time he was convinced to be heeding a
Call
to be God’s work and his tool, bringing back the valuable burden, the icon, to
Western
Europe.
Establishment of an Icon Centre in Graach on the Moselle and finally, in Traben-
Trarbach – Kautenbach (1976-1983-1993), providing him with a place in God’s divine
plan.
3.We have no general view or substantial knowledge of the mass of icons, frescoes, and
restorations produced and undertaken by A. Saveliev during the course of almost 40
years (1953-1993). There were many sales exhibitions and
presentations of his icons
in Germany and Austria. Also, many icons were given to private individuals
as
well as churches. Who knows of them? What has happened to them?
Revered reader, interested guest, esteemed friend of the icon,
We would herewith like to ask you to kindly inform us if you know something more of the man Alexei Saveliev and his
works. It will help us to provide a clearer picture of the man and to close the gaps in our knowledge. Perhaps you are in the possession of one or several Saveliev icons. If so, it would be very much
appreciated if you could grant us the opportunity to photograph it/them and include it/them in our web pages, whereby by we would naturally include your name as sponsor, if you wish. Perhaps you also have
photographs of the icons or of Saveliev himself which you could loan us.
We thank you for your kind cooperation and support. .
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