Project “Dolls in traditional costumes”

I am having a wonderful time making my project called “Dolls in costumes”.

The project includes paintings about the traditional Bulgarian dress and its ornaments and details and was created to honor the beauty of the authentic costume of Bulgaria.

“Dolls in costumes” consists of two-dimensional works which represent the Bulgarian costume from different folklore regions. In order to emphasize the costume’s details, which is the symbol of traditions, culture and immortality I have “deleted” the doll’s face which symbolizes mortality.

The style of my art is a mix of figurative expressionism, surrealism and impressionism based on figures, colors and stripes whisc introduces the specific features of the traditional Bulgarian dress. In the concept of the project lies desire to contribute to the understanding and appreciation of centuries-old traditions, formal and conventional practices in Bulgarian clothing.

The Bulgarian dress – the cut of the skirts and pinafore, embroidered ornaments, etc. are at least 3500 years old. In my paintings I have presented them from my own subjective perspective, distorting it for emotional effect in order to evoke the specific mood and impression in the observer’s eye. The entire project is created in oils on canvas which is my preferred media to work with.
With this project I aim to make a transition in time and to tell about the variety and grace of the Bulgarian embroidery by using the language of art.

Details:
“Doll with green peaches” / “Кукла с праскови”
Size/Размер: 55 х 55 х 2 см

 

 

 

 

Details:
“Doll with grapes” / “Кукла с грозде”
Size/Размер: 70 х 60 х 2 см

 

 

 

 

 

Details:
“Doll with red hot chili peppers” / “Кукла с люти чушки”
Size/Размер: 55 х 46 х 2 см

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details:
“Doll with green apples” / “Кукла със зелени ябълки”
Size/Размер: 45 х 35 х 2 см
Dressed in a costume from the “Samokov” region / Облечена в самоковска носия

 

 

 

 

Details:
“Doll with cherries” / “Кукла с череши”
Size/Размер: 45 х 35 х 2 см
Dressed in a costume from the “Sredna gora” region / Облечена в средногорска носия

 

 

 

 

Details:
“Doll with roses” / Кукла с рози
Size: 40 х 30 х 2 см
Dressed in a costume from the “Rodopi” region / Облечена в родопска носия
Размер: 40 x 30 x 2 cm

 

 

 

 

 

Details:
“Doll with plums” / “Кукла със сливи”
Size / Размер: 40 х 30 х 2 см
Dressed in a costume from the “Pirin” region / Облечена в пиринкса носия

 

 

 

Details:
“Doll with lillac” / “Кукла с люляк”
Size / Размер: 40 х 30 х 2 см
Dressed in a costume from the “Pirin” region / Облечена в пиринкса носия

 

 

 

 

Details:
Name: Doll with rosehips – representing dolls dressed in a traditional Bulgarian costume, from “Kustendil” region.
Size: 30 x 40 x 2 cm
Media: Oil on canvas
Year: 2017

 

 

 

 

Dolls with whitethornDetails:
Name: Doll with whitethirns- representing dolls dressed in a traditional Bulgarian costume, from “Rodopi” region.
Size: 70 x 50 x 1.5 cm
Media: Oil on canvas
Year: 2017

 

 

Details:
Name: Doll with roses – representing a doll dressed in a traditional Bulgarian costume, from “Haskovo” region.
Size: 70 x 50 x 1.5 cm
Media: Oil on canvas
Year: 2017

 

 

Details:
Name: Doll with peaches – representing a doll dressed in a traditional Bulgarian costume, from “Kustendil” region.
Size: 65 x 55 x 2 cm
Media: Oil on canvas
Year: 2017

 

Details:
Name: Dolls with wheat- Dolls dressed in traditional dress from the Sofia region, called Shopluka 
Size: 60 x 50 x 2 cm
Media: Oil on canvas
Year: 2017

 

 

Details:
“Dolls in costumes”
Size: 65 x 80 x 2 cm. The costumes shown come from “Kiustendil” region of Bulgaria. This folk dress is one of the most beautiful, full of many colors and ornaments with braids in the woman’s bosom. This is reason I have listed it first on my project list. The sleeves of the shirt are decorated with tinsel (golden thread), white and yellow. Tight waist of the woman outlined by a belt, gives a lovely look of the Bulgarian woman.

 

 

“Sunflowers” is dedicated to the dress from the “Sofia region” and its size is 60 x 70 cm. “Sunflowers” represents a very specific feature of the Bulgarian traditional costume for women: the pinafore without sleeves and with wide bosom. The decoration of this garment is concentrated in the skirt, the bosom and the sleeve ends.
The male’s costume includes a composition of a tunic-like shirt, pants and outerwear – mostly vest with ornaments at the ends.

 

The art piece “Voices”, size 75 x 61cm, is dedicated to the world famous Bulgarian choir “The mystery of Bulgarian voices”. “The Mystery of Bulgarian Voices” is the name by which a female vocal ensemble of the Bulgarian National Radio became popular. The singers are warring typical costumes from the south region, more specifically “Rodopi Mountain”. The golden threads applied on dark cloth make beautiful contrast and catch the observer’s eye immediately.

 

 

My project ends with “A doll with the bagpipe”, size 80 x 65cm. The Bulgarian bagpipe is a wind musical instrument and consists of treated kid or goatskin facing with the hair inside. The bagpipe is an ancient instrument. Thracians, Slavs, Bulgarians – they were skilled musicians. Survived through time the bagpipe has preserved its authentic appearance, while developing over the centuries, this instrument is not just a tool – it is a religion, a destiny. The costume on the painting comes from the south region.