Through my paintings, I aim to reveal the border between the visible and the invisible world, the reality and the fantasy, the magic and the routine. Only our fantasy and audacity to find the fairylands in our daily life can open the doors to journeys in space as well as in thoughts and ideas.
Different layers exist in my paintings that depict movement and dynamics. From a distance or at a glance, you see a whirl of colors. But closer scrutiny reveals real-life figures and details: people and animals, elements and landscapes, different objects and plots. Each painting unveils a fairy-tale where the intent observer is also an imaginative, emotive participant. My art portrays fragments of reality.
In the process of finding my own idiosyncratic style, I have learned from various artists from different times and schools. I have been largely influenced by Postimpressionism, Surrealism, Modernism, but I believe that the Old Masters as well as Bulgarian Art have made the most substantial and Positive impact on my art. The wealth and mysticism of colors, the clear forms and Elements typical of the Bulgarian masters-the traditionalists and of the Bulgarian Folklore Art have stayed forever in my heart and soul.
That predetermined my pursuit to find the balance between the mastery of the old school and the elegant style and boldness of the modernists. The art of the old masters is characterized by the infinite wealth and intensity of tones, and on the other hand the modernists use boldly clear colors and simple lines. The challenge to intertwine these different techniques creates and determines my style of work. If I should belong to an artists' group, I would name it "Modern Artists of the Old Brush."
In my opinion, art should be like a kid's game that delights, provokes and stimulates the imagination, not only of the observer, but of its creator as well!
VIEW NIKOLAI'S WORK