Painter Nikolay Marinov: Recognition Abroad Not a Must for Success in Bulgaria

Interview |Author: Milena Hristova | May 6, 2011, Friday // 14:40|  views

Photos by Mikaela Moharamyan

Novinite.com interview with Nikolay Marinov, the multi-layered, poetical and always original Bulgarian painter, whose numerous exhibits are throughout the world, including Germany, Greece, USA, Ukraine and Hungary. Though reminiscent of the Parisian impressionists, he claims to be a man of the extremes.

We meet minutes before the opening of his new exhibition at the Interpretorium Art Gallery, an unusual art space in the centre of the capital, created by one of Bulgaria's top interpreters, Mariana Hill. Despite years of experience, numerous exhibits throughout the world, including Germany, Greece, USA, Ukraine and Hungary and an impressive fan club of art connoisseurs, painter Niki Marinov, still feels a bit jittery and nervous before a 'grand opening'. Yet, his initial embarrassment disappears as soon as he starts talking about his newest work. And it's not surprising that he phrases his sentences with poetic ease as, among other things, Nikolay Marinov three published and completely sold out poetry books.

You rarely talk about yourself and seem to avoid publicity. But could you make an exception this time and introduce yourself in a few words?

Let's start with the trivial. I hold an MA degree in Art Pedagogy from the South-West University in Blagoevgrad. I've been a primary school art teacher for 13 years. Then, some 25 years ago, I decided to go free-lance. And I'm still teaching. I'm in charge of the art classes at the Prosveta communal centre in my native town of Gotse Delchev. My birthplace is quite spiritual and full of inspiring people. Besides it is a cosy nook for the artist – here, you can open up your soul, look deep into it and then draw it on the canvas. Gostse Delchev is stunningly picturesque, it is located at the valley of the Mesta river and in between the Pirin and Rhodope mountains. The architectural reserves, the villages of Leshten and Kovachevitsa, are nearby – they too offer a welcome retreat for Bulgaria's artistic bohemia.

Many of you exhibits have been held abroad. Do you agree with the claim that Bulgarian artists receive acknowledgement at home only after they have been recognized abroad?

No, I don't think this is true. For my exhibitions, I always rely on the support of my closest circle of friends – writers, poets, gallery owners or painters like myself who know the trials and tribulations of putting up an individual art exhibit.

How did you come up with the theme „parallel worlds" for you newest exhibit?

It is not unusual to find yourself in a world that defies logic and that is nothing like our mundane reality. This experience is hard to portray because it is based on thoughts that are full of meaning and emotions and are rarely factual or theoretical. This collection of works (some twenty paintings) is my attempt to let the red horse of my emotions run free. Each canvas is a galloping leap. I've painted both the tangible and the intangible; the real and the imagined. Take for example my series of four paintings entitled "Moods" – they are an expression of my understanding of the invisible. A combination of forms and bright, yet unobtrusive colours. You may notice how the narrative, the plot line in these four works, is elegantly lost. And then again, there are paintings that are more real, more concrete, entitled "Cafe", "Solitude", "The Arithmetic of Love"."Silhouettes in rose ash colours" is one of my favourite paintings – it is both romantic and a rather intimate portrayal.

Do you expect viewers to perceive the 'intangible' world that you have portrayed?

Who knows? I expect them to give in to the moods that these paintings provoke – gentle, relaxing...

Your style is a bit reminiscent of that of the Parisian impressionists...

Yes, there is a certain resemblance – the pastel colours, the careless gracefulness with which all shapes and figures are drawn. But I am a man of the extremes – I either fully expose my emotions or retreat into myself and emigrate from the outside world.

How did this exhibition come into existence?

Art to me can be quite spontaneous. One painting leads me to another. A walk in the summer sun can make me see new images, sharpen my sensitivities and the tip of my brush. The first painting I drew is entitled „Silhouettes" – two human silhouettes huddled underneath an umbrella.

How long did it take you to draw all twenty something paintings?

The need to paint a new collection of works was triggered by a rather dramatic event in my life, the death of my father. I'm a believer in the afterlife – I know that there is something beyond. Hence the theme 'parallel worlds'. It's quite difficult to portray the whirlpool of thoughts and emotions that overcome you at times like this. But drawing helps me put some order to the chaos. And I see it as some sort of art therapy. It took me about five months to draw all the paintings in the exhibition. This is relatively short period of time, but then again the paintings seemed to draw themselves.

Why did you choose the Interpretorium Gallery for the venue of your exhibit?

Mariana Hill is a very good friend of mine and this is indeed the second time she showcases my works. We have a very strong, dynamic, out of this world friendship. Besides, it is vital for me to feel comfortable at the place where I decide to exhibit. This is the only way to show my art in a sincere honest manner. The atmosphere at the Interpretorium is more like that of some art club and lacks the sterility of most gallery venues.

Are there any art patrons in Bulgaria?

I do things my way which is to paint to the utmost of my abilities and show my works to those who care to see them. Indeed many of my paintings are owned by private collectors. And there is one patron I have, Mr. Bertram Rollman, the president of the German-Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce. He has not missed any single one of my exhibitions and he always purchase a painting.

Do you find it hard to part with your works?

Yes, sometimes it is very hard. But I do part with them.

The exhibition „Parallel Worlds" of painter Nikolay Marinov is permanent and can be viewed at the Interpretorium Gallery on 34 Zlatovruh Street in Sofia

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Tags: Bulgaria, artist, Bulgaria, Bulgarian, painter, Parallel Worlds, Nikolay Marinov

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