Ivo Varbanov

Ivo’s works are before all an exploration of bodies, both as place of transgression, and authenticity. Through a realism of the flesh paired with a latent symbolism, his paintings are tackling disturbing aspects of reality. Dealing with often unspoken truths in a straightforward and raw manner, the artist doesn’t leave us the option to be remain neutral observer. His paintings are playing with our deepest shames and silent embarrassments, sounding our embedded tripes. Each work is an invitation to face one’s deepest fears and prejudices, as well as a chance to affirm oneself.



Ivo is a contemporary artist based in Milan. His art is expressed mostly by classic painting techniques interpreted in a modern way, exploring current topics as sexuality, gender, morality, religion and limits in society. Born and raised in the Balkans he started his studies in religious and monumental arts. The struggle for free expression and against hard censorship forced him to leave his native country and to move to Italy. There he continued his studies at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan. Finding his liberty of expression he began creating paintings that show the body as it is. The people he portrays are what they choose to be and appear o...

2003/2008, Pittura di Icone, Liceo artistico, Tryavna, Bulgaria

2008/2012, Pittura murales, Bachelor’s degree, Università di Veliko Tarnovo, St. Cyril and St. Methodius, Bulgaria

2015/2017 (Arti Visive) Decorazione, Laurea Magistrale (II Livello) accademia di belle arti di Brera, Milano, Italia

Solo shows:
2020, Speculum Divinitatis, Jardino Art Gallery
2018, DEPVTATIS QVIETENI, Independent space "Lato B" Milan, Italy


Group shows :
2017 SALONE DEL MOBILE, White in the city for Oikos, Milan, Italy
2017, NIHIL OBSTAT, San Carpoforo desacrated Church
2017 HOMO•SEXVALI l’Academia di Belle Arti di Brera
2017 Academia aperta Brera, Academia di Belli Arte di Brera, Milan, Italy
2016 SALONE DEL MOBILE, Milan, Italy
2016, DEPVTATIS QVETENI, San Carpoforo desacrated Church
2016 Academia aperta Brera, Academia di Belli Arte di Brera, Milan, Italy
2015 Academia aperta Brera, Academia di Belli Arte di Brera, Milan, Italy