LOVE Painting

**ART VLADI SPORT: A Creative Force Shaping Art and Sports** VLADI NIK, born in 1980 in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a visionary artist and athlete whose life blends art, sports, and faith. Raised in a Christian family of creators and athletes, Vladi was shaped by both disciplines from an early age. His father, a master in wrestling and karate, was also a stone sculptor and painter who introduced Vladi to drawing and comic art. His mother inspired his love of fitness by taking him to bodybuilding gyms in his youth. Guided by their influence, Vladi immersed himself in drawing, modeling, and martial arts. He discovered early on that sports and art could elevate one another, forming the foundation for his project **“Hand in Hand”**, a celebration of their unity. As a certified instructor in wrestling, karate, boxing, and aerobics, he later created **“Flex Fit Kick,”** a method that merges fitness, martial arts, and gymnastics. His wife, **Kristina**, a yoga instructor and economist, became his partner in life and work. Together, they raise two beautiful children who inspire and ground their creative journey. At 12, Vladi discovered comics and collectible cards, fueling a passion for visual storytelling. At 15, he sculpted his first commissioned work in stone. At 17, he launched his first fashion line, introducing unique **art jackets** that became globally recognized. His jackets have been worn by icons such as **Conor McGregor, Floyd Mayweather, Novak Djokovic, Jordan Belfort,** and **Peter Tuchman**, as well as world leaders, Hollywood stars, and athletes. His work spans painting, sculpture, fashion, and comics. With over **5,000 sculptures**, **2,000 art jackets**, and **7,000 paintings**, he is one of the most prolific multidisciplinary artists of his generation. In 2019, he launched **Art Vladi Comics**, a universe featuring characters like *Itachi, Unique Angels, Tiger,* and *Kong*. In 2016, he hosted a major exhibition at the **Palais des Festivals** in Cannes, attracting over 200,000 visitors. He created the **bronze Olympic fountain** for the International Wrestling Federation in **Vevey, Switzerland**, and designed uniforms that brought victory to Geneva polo teams. His visual designs also helped win three Formula 3 championships for French racing teams. In 2024, his art featured in a cultural showcase at the **Paris Olympic Games**, inaugurated by the **President of Bulgaria**.