site.btaBulgarian Icon Painters Convene in Bachkovo Monastery
The annual exhibition of the Bulgarian Iconographic Association (BIA) marked the opening of a traditional iconographic convention at the Bachkovo Monastery. This year, the event is dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council and is held under the patronage of Bishop Sioniy, who is the hegumen of the monastery.
"This is the 20th edition of the convention. We founded the association 20 years ago in the Vasiliko district of Tsarevo, then moved the convention to the Troyan Monastery. After Bishop Sioniy came to Bachkovo Monastery, he welcomed us here and open up these two wonderful halls where we can exhibit our works,” icon painter and BIA founder Dimcho Dimchovski told BTA.
On the agenda are presentations from outstanding specialists. Among them is one of the best gilding masters, Karolina Sobolewska, as well as the finest cloisonné enamel master from Georgia, Mikhail Parulova, Dimchovski noted.
He explained that visitors will be able to observe the entire process of creating enamel: from the drawing, application, and firing, to polishing the icon-medallion.
Starting tomorrow, not only members of BIA but also participants from other organizations, craftsmen, and jewelers are expected to attend, Dimchovski said. Throughout the event, members of the association will be working and explaining each step of their processes to the guests.
Chavdar Chaushev will present engraving on gemstones, which will be observable directly through a microscope projected onto a large screen.
For the opening of the gathering, the organizers received a congratulatory address from Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil.
Until August 30, visitors can view the icon exhibition in the monastery’s two exhibition halls and attend daily liturgies, lectures, and demonstrations.
Established in 2005, the Bulgarian Iconographic Association brings together artists from various Christian art forms: iconography, fresco painting, wood carving, mosaic, and others. Its mission is to research, practice, and preserve church traditions related to Christian visual arts. Each year, they organize a traditional gathering with an accompanying exhibition of works by association members and other participants. The gathering also welcomes international guests - both theologists and iconographers - who share their experience and skills, while iconographers demonstrate various stages of gilding, carving, engraving, polishing, and icon painting. Lecturers are also invited to speak on topics in theology and Christian art.
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