ARTIST STATEMENT

The most essential thing in a visual work of art is actually invisible.

To me a work of art is a kind of dream, a matter, which in its silent vagueness conveys what sometimes clear conceptual thinking cannot communicate and is otherwise inexpressible. Paradoxically the most important think in a visual work of art – its spirit – is actually invisible, yet we could perceive it instantly if it’s there.

I always need to get involved emotionally and mentally with a subject in order to start exploring it through the means of art. Usually such involvement results in a series of works that often evolve through the years.

However the things I am interested mostly in are the idea, the principle, the type, and the relationships, most of all the relationship between man and his surroundings, hence my focus on the architecture and other urban phenomena and processes as well as on topographic maps as documents of interaction between man and nature. The subject of these explorations could be summed up in the following questions: Where are we? How do we interact with our surroundings? What is the result of this interaction?

BIOGRAPHY

Born in 1967 in Sofia, Bulgaria, Slav Nedev is a uniquely versatile artist from the generation that emerged in the years following the political changes in Eastern Europe of 1989. In his vast body of works he explores various styles, media, and universes ranging from painting and digital art to objects and installations. His approaches often stretch the boundaries of art while under the profound influence of visions and dreams. Slav’s creative process requires his complete emotional and mental immersion in a theme or media, which often lasts for several years.

At age 22, after having declared himself “a free artist”, Slav devoted his time to meticulous studies of ancient Eastern Orthodox icons. While perfecting his technical skills, he drew further inspiration from his interests in Philosophy (Kant, Heidegger), Mythology, Art History and Psychology (Jung). Music, literature and nature provided further channels of influence in addition to his natural affinity for exploring social, philosophical or psychological problems through the means of art.

In his early works he concentrates exclusively on painting and drawing (watercolor and pastel) while experimenting with various styles from concrete painting, abstract style, expressionism to constructive minimalism. His oeuvre spans more than two decades and various stylistic periods: emotional expressivity (1992 - 95), abstract and surrealist symbolism (1996 - 2000), and cool, architectural compositions (Post Urban Visions 1997 - present). Parallel to that, several distinct series of works emerge: the psychological The Wanderings of the Soul (1994), the mathematical Remains (1995 - 96), the decorative Water Marks (1996), as well as the installation Passing through Nowhere (1997 - 99).

His current efforts include the installation Biotope (started in 2007), which deals with the problems concerning trash and the environment.

Slav Nedev is a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists, President and Artistic Director of Biotope Association and a board member of Charette - a cooperation for design. The recipient of numerous awards, his works have been widely exhibited in all major galleries and museums in Bulgaria as well as in the USA, Denmark, France, Germany, Serbia, Croatia, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. His paintings have been acquired by numerous private collectors, galleries, and museums, including the Museum of Vukovar in Croatia, Collection Contemporary Bulgarian Art at the New Bulgarian University, Gaudenz B. Ruf, Switzerland, Museum “Dechko Usunov”, Bulgaria, Siddhartha Art Foundation, Nepal, Kuratorium Europäische Kulturarbeit, Germany and the Department of State, USA.

- Lora Tchekoratova, PhD