"Sacred Stories and Fantastic Landscapes" exhibition in BCI - Berlin

Three artists with their own visual language enrich biblical scenes in a single story about Christmas in the exhibition "Sacred Stories and Fantastic Landscapes" in the Bulgarian Cultural Institute (BCI) in Berlin. Relying on the canon, with the help of imagination, they create the feeling of deep authenticity of an event that takes us to the time when God was born.

The works of Andrey Daniel, Atanas Atanasov and Stanimir Zhelev show us that the miracle is encoded not only in the divine figure, but also in the unlimited power of human imagination and talent, curator of the exhibition, Olympia Nikolova, says.

"These are very serious and valuable authors who through their art do not try to convince the viewer of some theses, but rather provoke them to think about something that happened a long time ago and shaped our civilization,” she adds. “The idea of loving your neighbour, born 33 years after Nativity, has left a big mark on humanity - not only on Christianity, but also on the modern world. 2025 years later, we are still defining what it is to love your neighbour and what love is."

In addition to several icons, Stanimir Zhelev also presents drawings of biblical scenes, which are characterised by finesse, sensitivity and capture every gesture. The painting "Between Two Epochs / Yet Another Nativity", created in 1995 by Andrey Daniel and characterised by the play of shadows and glows, a sense of festivity and grandeur, recreates the scene of the Nativity in a solemn, but also very human way. Atanas Atanasov, on the other hand, creates exquisite paintings on three-dimensional stone, as fantastic landscapes emphasize the connection between the divine and the earthly through Renaissance technique.

The exhibition strives for a deep dialogue with the classical heritage of the Old Continent. While the re-creation of the Holy Land in the works of the former masters was often based on written descriptions, rather than direct visual contact, the three artists continue the tradition of imaginary geography, but with modern means.

"They behave like jazz musicians who have mastered everything – both the classical and the improvisational way of creating art,” the curator points out. “In this way they establish a connection with both the canon and contemporary interpretations. Relying on traditions, they transpose these themes in a specific way. More observant viewers will see links to the icon art, to Giotto's frescoes, and to Dutch artists. This is a serious eclecticism that proves not only that they are able artists, but also that they are knowledgeable and enlightened."

In conclusion, Olympia Nikolova addresses the visitors of the exhibition in Berlin, who will immerse themselves in the anticipation of Christmas through the works of Bulgarian artists:

"I hope everyone feels our desire to show other points of view. Perhaps, one of the most valuable things in art is that it makes people think, notice, doubt, challenge paradigms, and let their imagination run wild. And although the artists tell an old story, in addition to its seriousness, there is playing with art and the hope of Christmas is also felt. In fact, what are we without hope? Every holiday and especially the approaching one relies on the fact that even after the darkest night and after the darkest event, we must preserve hope and make the next step."