For a second consecutive year talented Bulgarian artist Dimitar Hinkov took part in the Autumn Salon of Arts in Paris. This is one of the most prestigious events after the FIAC International Fair of Contemporary Art. This unique event has been held since 1903 and artists such as Matisse, Cezanne, Gauguin, Picasso and others have participated in the Salon d'Automne. More than 15,000 people visit the Salon every autumn - art critics, gallerists, curators, artists and art lovers. It takes nearly a whole year to select the participants and their works.

The works of more than 800 artists from all over the world, divided into different categories - painting, graphics, sculpture, installation, and video art, are included in the Salon. Dimitar Hinkov told us more about his work, chosen to be displayed in Paris.

"The selection is huge. I had the honor to be presented together with Academician Svetlin Rusev, who takes part for the 35th time and I am trying to follow into his footsteps. My work is called "On both sides of the wall." The inspiration came from the Berlin Wall and the symbolism of separation and reunification. My work consists of two parts and is associated with the concept of boundaries that we draw between East and West. My idea is to show the differences between the two worlds together with their profound similarity. These are two faces - one drawn in colors on canvas, containing much emotion and euphoria. The other is metal, very cold, gray, industrial work. This is the story of some photographs from the 70s, through which I want to show my vision of the woman back then and today. I also want to show the personal aspect - our inner world, compared to the external image. Color, and freedom against limitations, sadness, depression ... This is a concept that was very well received at the Autumn Salon of Arts in Paris."

The innovative approach of the artist in addressing the topic is transmitted through the juxtaposition of metal with canvas. Cuts on the metal represent the signs of time reflected by scraping the metal. This technique is new and is the result of 15 years of experiments. This year Dimitar defended his PhD thesis, which focuses on the latest techniques and materials used in paintings. The artist is oriented towards global topics such as nature, ecology, interstate borders, migration, etc. He also teaches students in Bulgaria and abroad. His desire is to teach them to adopt painting as an inner need, emotion, freedom, and not to be afraid to experiment.

Dimitar Hinkov is a third generation painter, grandson of the famous Bulgarian artist Christo Boyadzhiev and son of Prof. Anna Boyadjieva.

"I grew up in artistic environment. I liked spending time in the studio of my grandfather. There we were painting and having quarrels. I learned a number of valuable classic techniques from my grandfather who was one of the first graduates of the Art Academy. From him I learned all kinds of techniques for drawing realistic portraits. Later I quickly broke the ties with classical painting and began experimenting in new directions. I want my works to have some kind of a message but viewers should capture the emotion themselves. Art is not about understanding but about feeling and the most important for me is reaching in some way people’s souls. When that happens it means I have done my job well,” Dimitar Hinkov says in conclusion.

Dimitar Hinkov has forthcoming exhibitions in Istanbul and Berlin and the year will end with a solo exhibition at the Bulgarian Cultural Centre in Paris.

English: Alexander Markov