An unorthodox Russian icon painter

Ilgiz Konov, a Muslim by birth, practices yoga and visits Buddhist monasteries. He has been painting icons for 35 years, adhering to traditional methods using natural materials. Despite his non-traditional religious views, he follows ancient icon-making rules. His work is in demand, with clients ranging from churches to ordinary Russians. During Soviet times, he faced arrest for his art, and even today, his religious practices are met with suspicion by the conservative church. However, he considers these challenges minor obstacles.

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