Searching for identity Painting

“Every time when my artworks start being liked by too many people, I change my way of expression. There is nothing more embarrassing than to receive positive reviews for a series of paintings – this is a sign for me that something is wrong and that I need a change. In this way I avoid creating my own style, something that all the artists try to do. The style of work is a step of a failure for me and also an erasure of the artist. The style makes from the artist an ordinary craftsman. I don’t like the idea of labeling: abstract art, pop art, contemporary or modern art… The contemporary visual artist must not be influenced by labels. Let’s leave that for the art critics.” Studied at the Old art school in one of the most prestigious university of arts in Bulgaria, Damyan Bumbalov does not stop to surprise the audience with his slightly scandalous or postpunk works. His art passes through the classical painting, pop art or street art and reaches fresh and aesthetic, sometimes slightly rude, synthesis of several skills. In each of his canvases the viewer can crash onto different layers of diverse creative styles. In his compositions he combines successfully graphic images with classical paintings, decorative elements with street notes, portrait images with cartoon characters, and also expressive abstract moments. This laying of textures and images defies an abstract clearness for the viewers. The contrast between light and dark, warm and cold, painting and graphics give a feeling of comfort and discomfort at the same time. The viewer is confused, but surprised, of this aesthetic bomb, which the artist throws while presenting his painting or sculpture. In this way the viewer receives a completed contemporary work. The art might be called provocative and even scandalous, but that can’t be enough. Damyan Bumbalov’s attitude to the actual and eternal topics in the human nature do not end in itself. Under the rough form and expression there are deeper messages at conscious and unconscious level. These are messages which shake every person who thinks outside the paradigm of mediocrity. Albert Levaev (art collector and curator)