Replaced categories, a flawed stereotype and lack of strict schematics pierce the space of the “Light” installation. Contrasting and mobile associations depict the new material shapes whose remote and subdued clarity is expressed in a new centre: the spectator is involuntarily turned into the moving force of the whole project. With the aid of a photo cell the presence of the spectator instantly makes each element alive, giving to it his/her own rhythm. Penetrating through the dimensions of time, the spectator is the one to add intensity that varies from moderately calm to overtly dynamical. The colours are warm and energetic. They are born from the darkness in the inalterable playful hue of the surprise.

The sphere of Vasilena Mihaylova is situated in the centre, rhythmically pulsating in the lively waves of the red. Acting as a nucleus and a symbol of the infinite source, it moves into the light of the perfect cosmos. The hidden creatures of Liuba Atanasova also gravitate towards the infinity. Symbols of the invisible presence, they unexpectedly become alive exceeding human height. Their active and burning gaze reminds the lurking eternal observers. Stern linearity defeated by the soft chaotic matter is presented by Rozaliya Ekimova. The geometry is atrophied and the clear, solid lines of matter are distorted, outlining a new and unknown dimension. The work of Monica Naydenova has evaded the boundaries of its static character and the harsh expressiveness of shapes. In it she intertwines the visible with the invisible with the aid of iron armature and transparent chiffon, elevating it in the shape of a spiral arc above the visitor. In the numerous rays, piercing the solid matter, Vulko Bekirski presents to us space- conquered, thoroughly infiltrated by the light. The shadow is already gone, giving way to the infinite power and absolutism of the light.

The sensation of a perfect unity and entireness of the concept is perceptible through the fine threads bonding the elements. Sank into seeming peace, they imperceptibly wash away the boundaries of the conceptions, drifting into a distant dream.

Juliya Karemova

MEETING POINT Alexander Valchev. Reminiscences*

03 February 2005 - 20 February 2005

The idea: to make portraits of great artistic merit in the spirit of Renaissance, of our contemporaries, people engaged in intellectual activities.
How was the idea conceived: there is a beautiful view from the window of my place of work. A part of the National Library, the garden belonging to it, some buildings and in the distance – the impressive Balkan mountains can be seen. Most of the people who visit me on one or another occasion, sit down with their back to the window, which takes up the whole northern wall and their silhouettes are outlined against this view. As a setting this reminded me not only once of the magnificent portrait of Federico da Montefeltro, the duke of Urbino, painted in 1465-66 by the great Renaissance artist Piero de la Francesca. I had the impression that this context seemed to express the best of the very human being. I shared my observations with Alexander Valchev, and it turned out that he had also had similar impressions and associations. That is how the idea of the present project was conceived.
Realization of the idea: after we saw a great number of Renaissance portraits, we decided that it was a good idea to introduce several criteria on the selection of models. They should be people engaged in intellectual work, should have inner potential, and as far as it is possible, physical resemblance with a certain Renaissance person. The main and not an easy task of the author was to express the spiritual nature of the portrayed person, to catch and convey such depth, inner beauty and dignity, which are a distinctive feature of the Renaissance portraits. In order to achieve this goal, the suitable character was put in typical background reproducing as exactly as possible the posture, atmosphere and setting from a portrait - prototype.
In technical respect, the so created “neo-Renaissance” portraits are large-format digital colored prints.
The message: each ordinary person might look with dignity. If the person wants that and makes minimum efforts. People nowadays are not much more different than those who lived 500 years ago. Portraits serve as evidence of that. Maybe people have only lost their own calmness and faith of the Renaissance man that he is the most perfect creation of God.

Stefania Yanakieva
Curator

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*reminiscence - (лат. reminiscentia) - reverberation of somebody else’s work in poetry, music, fine arts, etc.

KIRIL GULEMETOV painting prints drawings

01 February 2005 - 27 February 2005

The exhibition presents Kiril Gulemetov’s artistic life in its different stylistic and plastic periods during the decades. Among the 100 graphic works presented are metal engravings /etching, aquatint, mezzotint /, with the classic finesse of the image, typical for the author; wood and linoleum engravings that are close to the print stylistics of the revival period; lithography, drawings and watercolours. The exposition features 50 paintings from the period from 1962 to 2001 shown for the first time to viewers.
In the creative work of Kiril Gulemetov the precision of the engravings and the realistic drawing are combined with the attention towards detail and a warm, humane insight into the ordinary at first sight plots taken from nature and country life.