Rozovets, 1932 – Sofia, 2025
Born in the village of Rozovets, near Plovdiv. A self-taught painter, he rose to prominence with his participation in the First International Youth Exhibition in Sofia (1961). He became a key representative of the Plovdiv School of the 1960s, alongside artists such as Georgi Bozhilov, Dimitar Kirov, and Hristo Stefanov. He also worked in sculpture and applied arts, especially stage design. He created the sets for the film ‟The Weddings of John Asen” (1975), directed by Vili Tsankov. He is regarded as one of the greatest Bulgarian artists of the second half of the 20th century. His style, initially influenced by Byzantine and folk art, gradually turned toward Expressionism. His compositions, always figurative yet often quite abstract, are marked by rich, radiant color and a textured, fluid brushstroke. He drew inspiration from his birthplace: rural life, old Plovdiv, as well as events from Bulgarian history. He was also interested in the landscape. His first solo exhibition, in Sofia, was organized by the Union of Bulgarian Artists in 1965. He went on to hold solo exhibitions in Sofia, Plovdiv, and other Bulgarian cities, as well as abroad (Paris, Madrid, Vienna, Warsaw, Budapest, among others). His final exhibition, featuring large wooden sculptures, was presented at the Plovdiv City Art Gallery in 2024. He was awarded the Prize of the Union of Bulgarian Artists (1964), the Medal of Saints Cyril and Methodius (1979), and the First-Class Medal of Stara Planina (2013). His works are held in the National Art Gallery of Bulgaria, in museums, and in private collections both in Bulgaria and abroad. Since 2006, his housestudio in Plovdiv has operated as a museum dedicated to his work.