LE GRAND BLEU JM4 Print

ARTIST STATEMENT As an artist I have always been inspired by cultures from around the world with the intention and ambition to connect them and show the world as a unity without borders. Within my work, I search for new and different ways to apply ancient techniques and crafts to create contemporary art that connects the past with the present. I was living and working in Bulgaria, Norway, the Dominican Republic, Italy (Milan) and now holding residency in The Netherlands (Amsterdam). In my career so far, I had numerous solo and group exhibitions in Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Sofia and Chicago amongst others. My work fuses traditional with the contemporary and The East with the West back together. Different Eras and communities in the world have in common that they all represent their local knowledge, customs and beauty in their own way. As they inspire me to make artistic research and work, I feel a responsibility to give something in return. Therefore, my work focuses on showing how cultures are connected by their effort of binding people, nature and artifacts together, making our planet a united place. Using natural, recycled and upcycled materials (even from my previous projects), and applying ancient crafts is putting my work in a new context of sustainability and multidisciplinary art. For most of my projects I research and apply techniques from an era when our planet was still clean. Focusing on the nature, framing the nature, and reminding us that we are part of the nature I am creating awareness on the importance to keep the planet clean. Cultural appropriation statement Cultural exchange and appreciation are core values for me as an artist. Learning to understand a culture that is different from your own is important to broaden the individual's perspective and connect with others. Developing the skill of cultural or cross-cultural competence is challenging, but worth the journey as it is an important way to provide an opportunity to share ideas, knowledge and cultural awareness. If you aspire to appreciate instead of appropriate, you’re already on the right track. I want to remind people to be mindful, still- do not stop being curious, keep learning and appreciating other cultures. Do it properly, with guidance and mindfulness and you will be the change needed to uplift, strengthen and amplify the world around us. My goal is to share ideas with others in order to help others learn more about the world.