Bulgarian-French Exhibition Presents Zhivko Sedlarski at the Mission Gallery
On September 16, 2024, the solo exhibition "Haute couture - Haute soudure" of the world-renowned Bulgarian-French sculptor Zhivko Sedlarski was opened in the "Mission" gallery at the State Institute for Culture at the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The exhibition presented new works by the author, who combines fashion and sculpture in a unique style, creating "fashion that does not wear". Sedlarski, called the "steel troubadour", is one of the most famous Bulgarian sculptors in the world, he has works on three continents - Europe, America and Asia, which are a real sensation in museums, galleries and public spaces. His sculptures are on display in eight Chinese museums, as well as in front of Zaha Hadid's iconic building in Antwerp, Belgium.
The event was opened by the director of the State Institute for Culture, Snezhana Joveva-Dimitrova, who welcomed the large audience and gave the floor to Deputy Minister Elena Shekerletova for an official welcome. In her speech, Deputy Minister Shekerletova emphasized the importance of cultural events for the rapprochement and acquaintance between people: "Such exhibitions clearly show how powerful an instrument for acquaintance and rapprochement art can be. Because the artist who chose to be part of the French scene, living for years in Northern France, brings his Bulgarian thrills and emotions and recreates all this in his work, which surrounds us in the gallery. It is also important that with the exhibition we celebrate our Bulgarian-French diplomatic relations, which are 145 years old this year."
Welcoming words delivered by His Excellency Joel Mayer, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria, who emphasized the importance of cultural exchange between Bulgaria and France. He pointed out that the exhibition of Zhivko Sedlarski is the first event in a series of initiatives organized by the Embassy of France and the French Cultural Institute, dedicated to the 145th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which will be celebrated in 2024. The art critic prof. Boris Danailov expressed his admiration for Sedlarski's work, noting the deep connection between fine art and fashion embedded in his sculptures. The main initiator of the event and author of the trilingual catalog of the same name, Albena Nenkova, shared her emotional impressions in the process of working with the artist Sedlarski, and the artist himself talked about the inspirations behind the creation of his works.
The exhibition "Haute couture - Haute soudure" is the culmination of Sedlarski's long-term research on the subject of women as a symbol of energy, strength and grace. The artist, who has lived in France for years, is inspired by the fashion shows in Paris, Milan and New York, and through his sculptures expresses the dualistic nature of the female essence - both gentle and strong. Sedlarski's works combine refined minimalism and a sense of movement. They are made of a variety of materials, including metal, bronze, wood and granite.
The trilingual catalog "Haute couture - Haute soudure, Zivko Sedlarski, ART" was also presented during the opening, which was also available to the public during the exhibition.
The event is realized with the support of the Embassy of France in Bulgaria and the French Cultural Institute, and the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency is a media partner. The exhibition can be visited until October 4, 2024, Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 17:00, in the Mission Gallery.