THE MOST HONORED MASTER IN THE HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ART with interactive links 2 THE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY SERGEY MELNIKOFF
Photo Credit: The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama ART OF SERGEY MELNIKOFF PROMOTED BY HIS HOLINESS THE XIV DALAI LAMA
Leader of the Buddhist world, Dr. Sergey Melnikoff, a.k.a. MFF, His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama is a National Hero of the Chechen believes, that MFF makes Republic of Ichkeria, and an American photographic artist with Ukrainian the most beautiful mountain Cossack roots, is the most honored photos in the History of Art. photographic artist in the World. 3 SERGEY MELNIKOFF IS THE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHER WHOSE PRESENTS WERE RECEIVED BY His Holiness The XIV Dalai Lama Patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church His Holiness Filaret US President George W. Bush His Holiness Pope Francis I His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI
Photo Credit: The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to Ukraine
Sergey Melnikoff welcomes the guests of honor at his personal exhibition presented by the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to Ukraine. The exhibition was organized in honor of the Constitution Day of Tajik Republic. Kyev, 2019 Left to right: Supreme Mufti of Ukraine Sheikh Ahmed Tamim; Bishop Andrey; Ambassador of Tajikistan to Ukraine Fayzullo Holboboev; Hero of Ukraine, Patriarch Filaret; and Gennadii Korolov, CEO of The Soul of Ukraine Foundation. King of Nepal Birendra Shah Dev Queen Elizabeth II His Holiness and Beatitude Catholicos and Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah 4 The highest title “Hero of the Nation” of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria Sergey Melnikoff was awarded for “The Chronicles of Hell,” a global requiem photo exhibition against the Russian occupation of the Caucasus; and the State Flag of the Republic of Ichkeria setting atop Mount Everest.
RONALD REAGAN SAVED THE LIVES OF A SOVIET FAMILY
– Dr. Sergey Melnikoff, a.k.a. MFF, an American photographic artist with Ukrainian Cossack roots; a former GULAG death-row political prisoner, who escaped from the Soviet Union with his wife and one-year-old daughter, and who was granted asylum in the USA through the personal verdict of President Ronald Reagan. By The Pittsburgh Press Newspaper
Photo Credit: IPV News USA
Prime Minister of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria Akhmed Zakayev (left) awards Sergey Melnikoff the highest title of the Republic of Ichkeria – Hero of the Nation. Copenhagen, 2012
At night on Mount Everest. Sergey Melnikoff with his Fuji GX 617 Panorama, a roll film camera. 1998 5
For his exceptional art works, Sergey Melnikoff was granted the Orders of St. Volodimir Equal-to-the-Apostles III and II degrees by the Patriarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Holiness Filaret.
SPIRITUAL PICTURES FOR YOUR WELL-BEING!
– The spirituality in MFF’s photographs transcends his Fuji equipment and its ability to capture natural light and what it can reveal. There is an ineffable element in MFF’s artwork, a quality of secrecy and mystery which can also be revealed in one's heart, so that, when viewing his creative canvases, we can find the spiritual in ourselves as well.
Filaret UNIAN | PHOTOBANK FILARET AND SERGEY MELNIKOFF https://photo.unian.net/photo/549905-filaret-i-sergiy-melnikoff
Photo Credit: Press Service of the Patriarch of Ukraine
Hero of Ukraine, His Holiness Patriarch Filaret granted Sergey Melnikoff one of the highest awards of the Orthodox Ukrainian Church – the Order of St. Volodimir Equal-to-the-Apostles II degree. Residence of the Patriarch, Kyiv. 2019
The Order of St. Volodimir Equal-to-the-Apostles III degree for the greatest photograph in Europe. InterContinental Kyiv Hotel, 2014 6 Sergey Melnikoff is a Cavalier of the Medal for the Silver Jubilee of King Birendra, 1997. He was awarded for the promotion of the tourist potential of the Kingdom of Nepal.
– Sergey Melnikoff’s exhibitions were shown in the UN headquarters, the World Bank, Cornegie Hall in Washington D.C., and at the main national museums around the world. Tatiana Alexandrova Art Director ofThe Soul of Ukraine International Foundation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxJeJmSmezQ
Photo Credit: UNIAN
“Ukraine is not Russia!” The second President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma shares memories with Maitre Sergey Melnikoff.
Mufti Akhmed Tamim, the head of the Spiritual administration of Muslims of Ukraine, at the exhibition of Sergey Melnikoff presented by the Embassy of Tajikistan. Kyiv, 2019. 7
Sergey Melnikoff is a Chevalier of the Special Insignia of the Apostolic Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Georgia, was granted by His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos and Patriarch of All Georgia.
THE FLOATING ‘HALLELUJAH MOUNTAINS’ ON THE MOVIE ‘AVATAR’ HAS BEEN INSPIRED BY MFF FROM A REAL PLACE ON EARTH
– It is with great pleasure that I present the visitors a collection of high-resolution photos from all over the world. Let the breathtaking views of nature decorate your living space. MFF
Photo Credit: Press Service of the Patriarch of Georgia
His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos and Patriarch of All Georgia accepts a gift from Sergey Melnikoff. To the left of the artist stands Alla Dudayev, widow of the first president of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria Dzhokhar Dudayev. Patriarchal Residence, Tbilisi. 2008
Pope Benedict XVI and Sergey Melnikoff at the photographer’s show “The World In Seven Days.” Munich, Germany. 2010 8
A commendation of His Holiness. the XIV Dalai Lama for “The Heart Of Tibet,” a photograph of the 10000 pilgrims at the foot of Mount Kailash; as a symbolic gift for the 75th Anniversary of the Buddhist Leader.
IN SPIRIT: METAPHYSICAL PHOTOGRAPHY
– Through the lens of his camera, this world traveler captures those singular moments that can offer the essence of our planet’s beauty. It is as if nature herself has favored this master of the photographic art, as she affords him extraordinary opportunities to create breathtaking photographs of power and conviction. The XIV Dalai Lama
Photo Credit: Hindustan Times
Photo presentation ceremony at the Dalai Lama’s residence. Dharamsala, India. 2010
The master of photographic art with his daughter Anastassia meets the Dalai Lama. 9
Gratitude of US President George W. Bush for the “September 11” commemorative photograph, and the eponymous movie, presented to the Head of the White House by the first President of the Kyrgyz Republic Dr. Askar Akayev.
A MAN WITH A DREAM – Dear Sergey Melnikoff, It’s my pleasure to write you personally as a person whose talent has been reflected in culture of our civilization ... I have the honor to thank you for a lovely deep symbolic gift.
George W. Bush
SEPTEMBER 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyCALeAr1H4
An advertising collage picture by IPV News USA
On September 4, 2002, an international expedition led by Sergey Melnikoff climbed an unnamed peak in the Tian Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan and named it “September 11” in memory of those who lost their lives in the 9/11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US. The peak is 13,124 ft (4,000 m) high and has a twin summit, resembling the New York World Trade Center Twin Towers that collapsed as the result of the attacks. At a White House ceremony on September 22, 2002, the first President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Dr. Askar Akayev, presented a breathtaking photograph of the newly named peak “September 11” to US President George W. Bush.
Sergey Melnikoff’s expedition team – Photo & Video News, Inc. Since 1991 10
The Holy See Gratitude. The photo “Winter On Fire” to Pope Francis I was presented by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk on behalf of the Ukrainian people, as a historical gift.
PHOTOGRAPHY IS THE ART OF OUR TIME
– A significant photograph for the history of Ukraine! This piece of art conveys perfectly the power of the spirit and mood of the people that put justice above his life. Francis I
UNIAN | PHOTOBANK BORIS PATON AND SERGEY MELNIKOFF https://photo.unian.net/photo/565388-boris-paton-and-sergey-melnikoff
Photo Credit: UNIAN
Dr. Boris Paton, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Soul of Ukraine Charitable International Foundation, and Dr. Sergey Melnikoff, a founder of a charity, discussing the concept of “The People Of The Maidan” exhibition. The E.O.Paton Electric Welding Institute, Kyiv. 2014
The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, presents Pope Francis I with the photograph “Winter On Fire” by Sergey Melnikoff. Vatican, 2014 11
Commendation from the International Olympic Committee for the award of the Pierre de Coubertin mountain peak in the Pamirs, the visionary founder of the modern Olympics Games.
NEW NAMES GO ON A GEOGRAPHIC MAP IN THE XXI CENTURY
– Photographs occupy a peculiar place in the human world, half way between the things we find and the things we make. They are ours and yet not ours, precious flakes of reality that have worked themselves loose which we gather up and store away. Juan Antonio Samaranch IOC President
Photo Credit: IPV News USA
Sunset at Fortambek glacier. The Pamirs, 1996. This photo was taken during an expedition by an international team from Greece, Tajikistan, USA, Ukraine, and Russia. Climbers reached a peak at a height of 5,475 m., which they named “Pierre de Coubertin”
An underground lake with painted stalactites for filming a Kodak commercial. South China, 2005 12
Sergey Melnikoff is the author of the world’s largest open-air exhibition “The People Of The Maidan,” which tells about the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity. A great show admired the people of Ukraine, Latvia, Luxembourg, Chile, and the United States of America.
THE SECRETS TO ATTRACTING PEOPLE’S ATTENTION
– Photographers use their cameras as tools of exploration, passports to inner sanctums, instruments for change. Their images are proof the photography matters- now more than ever. Robert Draper
Photo Credit: Press Service of The Soul of Ukraine International Foundation
Art director Tatiana Alexandrova at the Grand Opening of “The People Of The Maidan.” From the St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery in Kyiv, a grandiose exhibition began its long journey across the world. Kyiv, 2014
“The People Of The Maidan” at Hemming Park, in front of the entrance to City Hall Jacksonville, the largest city of the State of Florida. The U.S.A. , 2017 13 In autumn of 2013, American photographer Sergey Melnikoff launched a hot balloon over the St. Michael’s Square in order to take the biggest picture in Ukraine. The artist gathered the most renowned music ensembles of the country in front of his camera. THE MOST EXPENSIVE PHOTO SHOOT IN HISTORY One hot air balloon with a crew, two aerial work platforms, a fire truck with 5 thousand gallons of solution for mirroring on the ground, two tons of musical instruments, and 1000 costumed actors of the best national music ensembles of Ukraine: as MFF creating one of the world’s largest photograph. The artwork entitled “The Soul Of Ukraine” exceeded US$200,000 in production cost.
– Sergey Melnikoff doing to promote the achievements of Ukraine more than all of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, together. Miroslav Vantukh Hero of Ukraine Head of the National Honored Academic Dance Ensemble of Ukraine named after P. Virsky
VIDEO PLOT THE SOUL OF UKRAINE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wqwFJNJ36Y
Photo Credit: UNIAN
Sergey Melnikoff and Miroslav Vantuh, a legendary Ukrainian choreographer, has transformed the St. Michael’s Square into a film set. Kyiv, September 27, 2013
The St. Michael’s Square was flooded with a special solution from a fire truck, to create a photograph with a spectacular mirror reflection. 14
Sergey Melnikoff has successfully implemented a revolutionary idea of using Artificial Intelligence to create a photograph of a living person. The portrait of Boris Paton, taken by AI, entitled “The Genius” and was recognized as a symbol of the photographic art of the XXI century.
WILL PHOTOGRAPHERS BE REPLACED BY AI?
– As explained by Sergey Melnikoff for Artificial Intelligence wrote a special algorithm with the task in one photo to realize 100 years of life of a particular person. Unique photograph depicts the legendary Ukrainian scientist, current President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Dr. Boris Paton, who on November 27, 2019 celebrated her 101st birthday. By The Mice Times of Asia
UKRINFORM THE GENIUS Photo Credit: UNIAN https://www.youtube.com/embed/wsk5ETkwGEU President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Dr. Boris Paton and Dr. Sergey Melnikoff. The E.O.Paton Electric Welding Institute, Kyiv. 2014
Members of The Soul of Ukraine International Foundation at a dinner party in honor of the 100th anniversary of Boris Paton demonstrate “The Genius” artwork by A.I. 15
The most expensive in Asia verified sale for a photograph belongs to Sergey Melnikoff, who sold his artwork, entitled “The Land Of The Kyrgyz” in 2009 for US$300,000.00
NATURE’S SORCERER
– Admirers of Sergey Melnikoff’s talent believe that wildlife photographs, taken by this master, have a hidden strong power. For this reason, these works are valued very highly. Nina Matviyenko Hero of Ukrain A legendary Ukrainian folk singer
Photo Credit: Press Service of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic
The photograph “The Land Of The Kyrgyz” bought the Minister of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Gen. Moldomusa Kongantiev, as a gift to Kurmanbek Bakiyev, the second President of the Kyrgyz Republic, pictured above.
Installation of a huge billboard at the Melnikoff’s exhibition in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. 2008 16 The symbolic work titled “The Land Of Pritzker’s” by Sergey Melnikoff is addressed to the “Great Migrants,” with a personal dedication to Penny Sue Pritzker, the dynasty descendant.
‘THE LAND OF PRITZKER'S’ AS A METAPHORICAL SYMBOL OF ALL ALIYAH
– An ancestor of the dynasty, Jacob Pritzker was born in 1831 in the Velyki Pritzki village, situated near Kyiv, Ukraine. He was the manager of a local sugar factory. Jacob immigrated to the United States of America in 1881, when the Jewish pogroms started. Later, assisting Jews from Eastern European countries became one of the most important affairs of this family, the fortune of which is considered to be among the most impressive in the world. Their dynasty also created the outline of modern-day Chicago. By Oxford Press Photo Credit: The U.S. Embassy to Ukraine
Penny Sue Pritzker (in the center) and the first lady of Ukraine Marina Poroshenko during a visit to the Velyki Pritzki village. The photo was taken in front of the building of the sugar factory, where Jacob Pritzker once worked 150 years ago. Ukraine, 2015
“The Land Of Pritzker’s” is primarily a work of art that breaks down the world’s steadfast stereotypes. 17
A rich collection of photographs of ethnographic portraits, gathered over half a century of creative activity, allows Sergey Melnikoff to form the thematic exhibitions about the inhabitants of the most exotic countries in the world.
10,000 PORTRAIT IDEAS
– MFF shot his immortal portraits well before the proliferation of the Internet and the invention of the smartphone. In a world seemingly benumbed by a daily avalanche of images, could those faces still cut through the clutter and tell us something urgent about ourselves and about the imperiled beauty of the world we inhabit? The question answers itself. Tatiana Alexandrova Art Director of The Soul of Ukraine Foundation, Inc.
Photo Credit: UN Press Office
The president of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon at the exhibition that was dedicated to fifth anniversary of the Republic of Tajikistan to membership in the United Nations, by Sergey Melnikoff. UN Headquarters, New York City. 1996
The gorgeous portraits of representatives of different nationalities make up the golden fund of a unique collection. 18 Like a skillful and stealthy hunter, MFF seeks and shoots his “prey” with a custom FUJI branded film camera.
NATURAL ART NOUVEAU
– The printing technology MFF’s photographs are unique because each one is individually created. Every image is produced using an ultra-high resolution transparency, printed by using ultra-HD photo print under acrylic glass with the latest-available technology. This process gives each photo the best reproductive quality available. Irina Bobrova CEO at Melnikoff, Inc.
Art of MFF THE BEST SHOTS https://youtu.be/Wc8RfLZl20s
Photo Credit: Melnikoff, Inc.
World traveler Sergey Melnikoff opens new gallery in Boca Raton. MELNIKOFF Gallery at 251 North Federal Highway. 2005
A winner of the prize “Planet Earth” at the María Luisa Memorial International Contest. Spain, 2009 19
More than 30 years ago Sergey Melnikoff found the legendary Soviet steamer SS “Chelyuskin” in the depths of the Chukchi Sea. He also twice examined the sunken sailing Rusian imperial ship “Pallada” in the Sea of Okhotsk. THE WHOLE WORLD THROUGH A LENS
– Dear Dr. Melnikoff: I am very pleased to have received a copy of the film of the underwater excavation of a crashed B-17 World War II bomber and to have an actual piece of the aircraft, The Long Ranger, given to the Boeing Company ... I would like to thank you for this special gift of aviation history.
Philip M. Condit Sergey Melnikoff Chairman, CEO HOW I FOUND The Boeing Company “CHELYUSKIN” https://lenta.ru/articles/2004/09/02/melnikoff
Photo from personal archive of Sergey Melnikoff
Half a century of travel in non-stopping format. Sergey Melnikoff in 1977 The Sea of Japan, USSR
The Boeing were over 7,000 B-17s manufactured during World War II. Sunken aircraft. The Togean Islands. Sulawesi, Indonesia. 1999 20
Dr. Melnikoff is the author of the idea of space tourism. He was the developer of an advertising project in space for the VISA credit card in 1994. He is a member of the Mars Exploration Program – The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment is known as HiRISE.
TRY THE TASTE OF RISK – THIS IS THE LIFE!
– The fusion of the talent of the master of photography and the education of the scientist allowed Dr. Melnikoff to reach Mars from his home PC. This fact, he showed us the inevitable march of human civilization. Dr. Boris Paton Hero of Ukraine President of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Sergey Melnikoff
https://lenta.ru/articles/2004/09/21/newheroes
Photo Credit: IPV News USA
Sergey Melnikoff was trained for a flight to the Mir space station under an agreement with the Russian space center. The photographer’s flight aboard the Soyuz-27 spacecraft was canceled due to a fire at Mir station.
The boarding pass of a participant of a space project of NASA “Send Your Name to Mars.” The names of the mission participants will be on the Mars lander in 2026. 21
Sergey Melnikoff is one of the most well-known and expensive masters in his sphere. The national of US, he became famous for his original PR campaigns surrounding his activities.
WORLD CLASS ADVERTISING PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
– For more than ten years, Uzbekistan Airways aircrafts carried the famous photographer around the world. Arslan Ruzmetov Director General of Uzbekistan Airways
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SngAWwSc1_w
Photo Credit: IPV News USA
The flag of the Uzbekistan Airways at the highest point of the Tien Shan Mountains. 2013
Sergey Melnikoff advertises sponsors during his transcontinental autoexpedition. The Pamirs, 1994 22
The world’s major brands and the government agencies of different countries are attentive to new ideas of a creative genius.
TO COME UP WITH BETTER IDEAS
– Maitre Melnikoff prefers the top shooting point. So God looks at the Earth! Vladimir Onishchenko Stage Director The National Cinema Studio named after O. Dovzhenko
PROJECT
https://soulofukraine.foundation/tajik/tajik_project.pdf
Photo Credit: The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to Ukraine
His Holiness Patriarch Filaret at “The Pamirs” exhibition by Sergey Melnikoff. Kyiv, 2019
Sergey Melnikoff is the author of the World mountain festival project, commissioned by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. 23
Maitre of photographic art welcomes new partners in his projects to create the unique works of art. Brought to life, such pieces of art bring the significant returns to their investors and fame to sponsors. A good example of this statement is an impressive list of photographs sold at auctions for more than a million dollars.
Title: Rhein II, 1999 Author: Andreas Gursky Sold for: $4 338 500
Title: Cents II, 2001 Author: Andreas Gursky Sold for: $3 336 456
Title: Untitled #96, 1981 Author: Cindy Sherman Sold for: $3 890 500
Title: Cowboy, 1998 Author: Richard Prince Sold for: $3 749 000
Title: Dead Troops Talk, 1992
Photo Ctedit: The Soul of Ukraine International Foundation Author: Jeff Wall Sold for: $3 666 500 Tatiana Alexandrova, art director of The Soul of Ukraine International Foundation, shows the photo “Heavenly Hundred” by Sergey Melnikoff. Riga, Republic of Latvia. 2017
– Fine art photographs are created as carefully as paintings... MFF
The Soul of Ukraine International Foundation offers participation in the world’s largest art auctions. 24 Sponsors
– So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:16
THE HISTORY OF ART IS A CHRONOLOGY OF MASTERPIECES CREATED DURING EACH CIVILIZATION