50 years Contemporary Bulgarian Sculpture

 “Socialist Realism, my dear colleagues, that is, to paint the portraits of the Comrades in such a manner that they will be able to recognize themselves”. Prof. Dechko Uzunov, 1972

There is an almost imperceptible boundary beyond which things are no longer the same. When the plot becomes just an excuse for plastic concept, and resemblance is rather associative, then we see a Sculpture not an illustration with a simple and speculative literary canvas. At that point the Depiction of “Fine art” (a very funny totalitarian term) is exceeded, and Expression is the essence. That is why it is Art. Only after that figure and plot can be viewed and explored creatively. Because they are no longer needed. The literature deals with descriptions, but plastic art doesn’t. Sculpture for instance operates with tools having an immediate impact beyond time and specific cultural environment.

Several early works of Velichko Minekov and Valentin Starchev clearly display that. Their images possess simple and direct impact, fruit of a mature outlook and a clear plastic language. Those works are the boundary from this side of which is sculpture, not the primitive depicting propaganda or the giant and poster scenographies of stone and bronze. I'm not saying those are the right or the only works. Or that those are the only authors. I fail to quote the great masters like Galin Malakchiev and Lubomir Prahov. And not only. You may not like them. But there is no way for you to ignore them - it is impossible.

For example, Thirst of Velichko Minekov

Look at his next step with Sadness. This has nothing to do with Socialist Realism. A true European work.

The most impressive early piece of Valentin Starchev is Pieta. Quite consciously, showing even with its subject,  the work implies its comparability with world art and IS global.

Valentin Starchev and his solo exhibition.

You see how the plastic language of both artists correspond to the expressiveness or the contemplation of world masters of contemporary art because they are already out of their creative horizon. And with them, we are as well.

The other boundary is outlined by the works of Dan Tenev beyond which sculpture has expanded and merges with the conceptual world of contemporary art. It is still sculpture, however. I think, the origin and maturation of plastic language  in our sculpture over the past 50 years consist in the framework thus defined,. I hope I will be able to present through the first fundamental exhibitions of Sculpture Park Varna the main authors who, according to me, created it.

Dan Tenev, A Cube

Please, I want to be understood correctly, I am not making a ranking list. I write as sculptor – I am interested in working methods and the goals, practically associated with them. I am excited to see how the magic works and how several key artists do it. They are not the only sculptors who outlined the pathway. They have however indicated the frame. The pathway is a process. On our way forward, we need to step on a sound and tested footing without prejudice. That is the essence of my experience.