Something interesting happened in the centre of Sofia – photography reached out to literature in one exhibition. The gesture was reciprocated at SOHO – a venue for creative ideas. Thus the project of photographer Krassimir Andonov and journalist Mila Ivanova was able to reach all people interested in the two forms of art. Besides a talented photographer, Andonov is also an accomplished cameraman. Sofia Film Fest that will soon open in the capital city features two full-length films of which he is director of photography – Konstantin Bourov’s Rat Poison and Stefan Komandarev’s Courthouse. Mila Ivanova is editor-in-chief of Everything a Woman Needs magazine and loves to comment in her blog 16 Solunska. A charming, intelligent young lady who uses words to open up to the world. How did the idea for this exhibition come about?

“When I read texts by Mila, pictures take shape in my mind. And when I take photos I try to tell a story the way I would describe it in words", Krassimir Andonov explains. "That is where Mila and I intersect, not forgetting that we also view the world in a very similar fashion. We both try to focus on the positive things, on the things that bring joy.”

The exhibition shows photographs mostly of urban culture. Some of them feature Mila Ivanova’s personal diaries:

“Until we started arranging the exhibition we had no idea what would come out of it, because this is the first time we are working on a joint project,” Mila says. “The encounter of sentiments was something that happened to the two of us, as it did to the audience. Besides, sentiments change. I am sure we have breathed life into the diaries.”

But isn’t that putting too much trust in Krassimir and in the people who view and read these texts?

“Some time ago I sent him something I had written before uploading it to my blog because his opinion is important to me and he answered: “Thank you for your trust.” But I wouldn’t say it is trust, it is more of a necessity. To me, Krassimir is a mirror for my writing.”

Why did they call the exhibition Infinity Diaries?

“We get our inspiration from the infinity of life,” says Krassimir. “As to photojournalism, I have always said life is stranger than fiction. We are able to capture slices of life and put them in a frame. That is how we decided to call it Infinity Diaries – life continues before and after us.”

“Krassi tells stories in his photographs, my own story with my diaries and letters is inside his,” Mila adds. “I never thought anyone else would see them. My narration is about the life that surrounds us. And these stories are as authentic, as are his photographs. When you write for many people to read, you inadvertently paint a picture of yourself as you would like to be seen. When you write for someone who is close to you, then you write from the heart. Infinity will write itself. What we have done is very dear to me and I want it to continue, because I believe in infinity.”

English version: Milena Daynova