site.btaVladimir Krastev Presents Exhibition of Icons Painted on Old Wooden Boards

An exhibition by Vladimir Krastev titled "Reborn Wood, Transformed Images" will be unveiled at the Heritage Gallery in Sofia on April 8, the event organizers announced.

"The author of this captivating exhibition will present his icons, painted on old wooden boards that he has carefully selected over time and brought back to life through his authentic painting style…" the gallery team said.

"Many years ago, as a child, I used to dig along the seashore in Kavarna and once found amphorae handles with the fingerprints of the craftsman still imprinted in the clay. My imagination carried me far from the present to those ancient times. My first childhood passion was archaeology, but since nearly everyone in my family are artists, I went on to graduate from the National Academy of Art and developed my own perspective. I love visiting old churches and monasteries—so abundant in Bulgaria – where the mystery and history of the icon painters who decorated the walls and iconostases are preserved," Krastev shared.

He explains that his icons do not strictly follow traditional canonical rules. His intention was to create a "counterpoint" within a modern setting – a contemporary interior enriched by the spirit of remembrance and faith. "It is a way to reconnect with our Orthodox Christian tradition, which has long been the foundation of our statehood and history," he said.

Vladimir Krastev was born on March 3, 1948, in Sofia. He graduated from the National Academy of Art in the class of Prof. Venko Kolev. He has designed mass-production projects for the Creative Fund of the Union of Bulgarian Artists, participated in many annual exhibitions of applied arts organized by the Union, as well as in international shows. For many years, he worked in the field of applied graphics, graphic design, and printing. Krastev is a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists.