The current exhibition refers to the 95th anniversary of the largest exhibition of Bulgarian art abroad. In 1926 it was an event for the Bulgarians, for the first time they introduced themselves to the world. Prague was not a random choice. The roots of Bulgarian-Czechoslovak contacts date back to before the First Republic and subsequently only firmly AND developed. Dozens of scientists, musicians and artists from the fraternal Slavic country came to us and “learned” to lay the foundations of Bulgarian education and culture.

Honor of the past

The current exhibition presents 12 Bulgarian authors. Some were born in the Czech Basin, others have lived here for a long time. These include Bistra Bakalová, Nikolaj Stanev, Rumen Sazdov and others. They represent different generations. Even in worldview or artistic expression, they are not united – Illustrations await the visitor in a book about Bulgarian music, a square wooden sculpture of the family or Franz Kafka with a smurf hat. Meeting different authors is literally so much for the viewer.

According to an employee of the Bulgarian Cultural Institute, both Bulgarians and Czechs attend the exhibition. Unfortunately, Covid allegedly made the situation more difficult, but about 20 visitors come to see it every day. You have the opportunity to purchase the exhibited works. As this is a building of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the institute does not take anything from the sale of paintings.

Prague, Czech Paris

Artist Rumen Sazdov first visited the Mother of Cities in 1983 as part of a several-day internship at the school. “Prague enchanted me. I fell in love with her right away. The best atmosphere I had ever experienced was breathing on me. It was my love at first sight. “ the artist recalls joyfully. He came to us permanently in 1989 as a drawing teacher. He won a program for artists in his native country. Instead of a fee, he received an offer to leave. He already had personal ties here, the choice could not have been different.

“Prague is its own. It is not huge and despite the tourism it still retains its romantic character and typical character, “thinks Rumen. He praises life in the metropolis. “My friends and I have always said to ourselves that Paris is where we make it. I have seen Paris in Prague for thirty years, “ laughing artist.

Inspiration for creation

Rumen became a painter based on his mastery of craftsmanship, as he studied art in Bulgaria. Thanks to that, he is said to be able to create practically from material. He has no shortage of ideas for works. He takes inspiration from his memories. According to him, it is important to live today to the fullest so that he has nice memories tomorrow from which he can draw. The Czech capital is a source of thirty years of memories for him. “I make Prague for myself. Such a form of the metropolis is different from how others perceive it, “he adds.

where: Bulgarian Cultural Institute, Klimentská 2062 – Prague1.
When: Until January 31, 2022.
Admission: Free.

Rumen Sazdov in the studio Youtube: Rumen Sazdov Original Art