Exhibition Marks Prominent Bulgarian Artist Lyuben Zidarov's 100th Birth Anniversary

Metodi Yordanov

Sofia,

08.02.2024 20:42

(BTA)

An exhibition dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bulgarian artist and illustrator Lyuben Zidarov was opened Thursday evening at the Union of Bulgarian Artists (UBA).

According to UBA Chairman Lyuben Genov, the idea and concept for the exhibition was of Lyuben Zidarov's son Filip, who was also the main driving force behind the project with which he wanted to mark his father's 100th birth anniversary. Lyuben Zidarov passed away on January 3, 2023 at the age of 99.

The UBA Chairman recalled the successes of the prominent Bulgarian artist and thanked all the galleries and institutions that provided paintings for the exhibition, as well as the Zidarov's family.

"All of us here are in love with the world of Lyuben Zidarov," said Lyuben Genov. He recalled that the artist lived 99 years and 11 days. His earliest work was a self-portrait at the age of 19. He worked continuously, for 80 years, until his last breath.

"It was my destiny to be friends with Luben for almost four decades and to see him almost every day in his studio," Ivan Granitsky said. He noted that he and Filip Zidarov are preparing an album with most of Luben Zidarov's works.

Filip Zidarov said that the earliest works in the exhibition date from 1942, the latest from 2022. The influence of his work on more than one generation has been the subject of discussion on many occasions, he noted.

Lyuben Zidarov's son said the artist worked until his last day. "Art does not recognize retirement," he said. He added that until the last moment his father was pondering if he had become a good artist.

/MY/