Interview
Denitsa Mihaylova
Denitsa Mihailova is an artist from Sofia, Bulgaria. She graduated with a Master’s degree from the National Art Academy of Sofia, with a specialty in Interior design for children. She worked in the field of interior and product design, but continues to develop as a painter.
Denitsa has held some solo exhibitions, and participated in different group exhibitions and art projects in Bulgaria and abroad.
In 2020, Denitsa took part in the organization of the First Contemporary Art Expo Artko-19, and also participated in it with her own stand.
She is a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’ve been painting since I was a child. Sometimes I would look at pictures of my favorite children's characters and redraw them. In the family, my grandmother used to paint watercolor cards for the holidays. I took drawing lessons and started studying interior design at school, then I continued painting.
After graduating from the National Academy of Arts, Sofia Bulgaria, I went through a long journey of challenges as an interior designer . The work was sometimes very dynamic and stressful, and after suffering burnout, I decided to leave my job and do the one thing I loved — painting. Another of my interests was the design and creation of lighting. I’ve participated in different art and design projects.”
What inspires you most?
“I am inspired by nature, traveling, interacting with people of different cultures and other artists.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is like a journey in different places. It is like communication between the visible and the invisible worlds of the soul.”
“My work is like poetry using colors. Everybody is open to feel their individual story, to imagine a world that is different from their everyday life.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The themes in my work appear spontaneously. In most cases, they are inspired by something seen or experienced. Sometimes it may be a small leaf or feather. Other times, the birds, the sky or the sea. To seek and discover the beauty, to focus on it, to realize the joy of different things, even the little ones, that is my pleasure.
I live in a city, and what I lack in the surrounding environment is nature, clean air and the water. That's why I bring a bit of nature into my paintings. The air in the city I live in is polluted and no measures are taken to purify it. This is a topic that society has to work on, initiatives for clear water, clean air and nature. We need to think more and take care of our planet, and everyone should take small steps to reduce the pollution.”
Which artists influence you most?
“There are many artists that have inspired me. At every moment there’s a different artist. I’m inspired by modern, abstract and contemporary art.”
What is your creative process like?
“I immerse myself completely in my work. I need a space where I can relax and let my inner sense and gift guide me. My work provides a space of harmony and serenity, just like in meditation. Sometimes I need more time to finish a painting, and it can take me weeks. At times, I take long breaks while I’m creating a piece, while other times, a few days are enough to finish the piece.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of artists is to look for questions and answers. Everyone provokes or is provoked by different topics related to everything around us. Each artist draws the audience's attention to different areas: social, political, emotional, philosophical, psychological, environmental, religious, health, spiritual, and many more.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
Solo Exhibitions
2018 - Lampion Gallery, Sofia.
2011 - Bankia Gallery
2010 - Coffee-Gallery GR6, Sofia.
- Art Club Cafe-Bar, Sofia.
Group Exhibitions and Art projects
2021 - National exhibition in Sliven.
- Artnumber 23, Athene, Greece.
2020 - Autumn Auction for Contemporary Art, Contrast Gallery.
2012 - Sofia Architectural Saloon. Florence Design Week, Italy.
2011 - Second Biennial of Bulgarian Design.”
