As Bulgarian folklore and mythology is rich in creatures, demons, witches, animals I created a series of portraits that show my interpretation of some of them. I really like the Kukeri processions. Those huge dramatic masks and costumes which are reflecting an ancient nature tradition honoring the cycles of life, death and re-birth. Also the connection and respect for the nature is very strong. The beliefs in personalized Sun and Moon, Lamia which stops the water and St Iliya who let the clouds or Hala which was thought to cause hail and to take shape of a thick mist or dark cloud. That was my starting point of creating new portraits.
Kukeri, acrylic on canvas, 130/100 cm, 2015
Kukeri, acrylic on canvas, 130/100 cm, 2015
Bear mask, acrylic on canvas, 70/70 cm, 2015
Fox mask, acrylic on canvas, 100/80 cm, 2015
Deer mask, acrylic on canvas, 100/80 cm, 2015
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