site.btaGood Vibrations: Ivan Gazdov's Art as a Living Symbol of Sofia

Ivan Gazdov is an intellectual artist who paints with intelligence and wit, offering a unique perspective on everyday life, Georgi Lozanov, director of the LIK Directorate at BTA said during the opening of the Good Vibration exhibition by Ivan Gazdov at the Gallery Arte on Tuesday.

The exhibition features Gazdov's latest graphic series Rain, a collection of sculptures and plaster reliefs, and a striking portrait of the artist by guest artist Kapka Kaneva.

During the opening, Lozanov described Gazdov as a cultural symbol of Sofia, noting that his work is inspired by curiosity about the everyday. "Ivan Gazdov demonstrates that finding the meaning of life doesn't require profound revelations. Instead, it lies in the ability to see beauty and significance in the seemingly mundane," Lozanov said. Sculptor Pavel Koychev echoed this sentiment, praising Gazdov's invention of the term "graphikature" and his skill in creating subtle, three-dimensional forms that blend the aesthetic and the ordinary.

Gazdov reflected on the exhibition's title, explaining that Good Vibration represents more than just a theme; it is a philosophy. "We live in a world of vibrations, and artists have a special role in channeling these positive energies. Art transcends the everyday and inspires vibrations that uplift and connect us," Gazdov said. To illustrate this, he recited two poems about rain—one of his own and one by Dobrin Stoyanov—adding a poetic layer to the event.

Gallery owner Gergana Borisova emphasized the significance of the exhibition, noting its blend of older, previously unseen works and new graphics created specifically for this space. Guest artist Kapka Kaneva shared her process of creating Gazdov's portrait, describing him as an inspiration to fellow artists and a cornerstone of the art community.

Born in Yambol in 1945, Gazdov graduated in poster art from the National Academy of Arts in Sofia and later specialized in Amsterdam. He has made groundbreaking contributions to graphic art, including the development of the aesthetic category "Author's Poster" and the creation of his unique style, "Graphikature," officially registered as an artistic brand in Europe. Over the course of his career, he has held more than 50 solo exhibitions worldwide, received 34 awards (14 international), and has been recognized as an honorary citizen of Yambol and a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Through his Good Vibration exhibition, Ivan Gazdov continues to engage audiences with his unique perspective, elevating everyday life into a realm of art and meaning that resonates far beyond the gallery walls.