Interview

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My first steps into the art world were several years ago. Around the year 2000, I began making music professionally and spent over ten years as a singer in various bands. I greatly enjoyed performing live on stage in front of sometimes thousands of people, playing my own songs, and evoking emotions in the audience through what I did. However, life had other plans, and I had to give up music and take on a "normal" day job. The urge for creativity and expression never left me, though, and I discovered photography as my new outlet. It all started with photography on my phone: I always made sure to use the best possible camera on my device, but I still had a strange feeling that I was taking "incomplete" photos. After my father's passing (he had always enjoyed photography himself, and I still occasionally use his 40-year-old Polaroid camera), I decided to invest part of his legacy into a high-quality camera and equipment. I haven't regretted that decision to this day. Each photo is, in a way, a small memento of him.”

What inspires you?

“I'm inspired by the idea of encouraging people to pause and reflect. In a time when content on social media is increasingly brief and condensed, I find it inspiring to capture everyday moments that would otherwise disappear in an instant, never to be seen again. The moments I capture are meant to provoke thought: "What happens next?," "Why that expression?," "What's going on in that person's mind?" Each person sees something different in a photo, and thus every photo tells a story that the viewer invents for themselves. This thought is my motivation and inspiration.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“The themes I pursue often revolve around the beauty and transience of everyday life. I aim to capture moments that usually go unnoticed but carry a special meaning or emotion. An underlying theme in my work is the idea that every detail in life has significance and is worth noticing. Through my photography, I try to inspire people to slow down and focus on the essentials. I want the viewers of my photos to reflect on the small things that are often overlooked and to find a deeper connection with their surroundings and the people within them. For example, there is a photo of a bride waiting for her groom in front of a chapel on the streets of Sofia. She holds her phone to her ear, talking and looking around, wondering where her future husband might be. I know how the scene continued, but it is up to the viewer to imagine the rest of the story. Similarly, there is an image of a few people walking past a tall staircase in the middle of a city, completely unaware of what is happening on the top landing: a couple has met there to dance. They are completely alone, undisturbed, and dancing - without anyone noticing, except for me with my camera from my vantage point. Isn't that wonderful? These are the moments that make it worthwhile for me to photograph.”

How would you describe your work?

“My work focuses on the subtle and often overlooked moments of everyday life. Through my art, I aim to capture the beauty in seemingly ordinary scenes and offer the viewer a new perspective on the familiar. My photographs are characterized by a special attention to detail, light, and atmosphere. They are meant to evoke emotions, tell stories, and encourage viewers to take their time and recognize the essential things in life. Each image carries a quiet but powerful message about the transience and uniqueness of the moment.”

Which artists influence you most?

“I am greatly influenced by Henri Cartier-Bresson and his ability to capture the exact right moment to perfectly convey the emotion of a scene, coupled with an incredible sense of composition - all achieved with an analog camera, without the possibility of "burst shots" or later editing. Cartier-Bresson created an impressive body of work and inspires me with his humanistic approach, photographing people respectfully in their everyday lives as they are, without staging anything. The work of Joel Sternfeld is also inspiring to me. I am impressed by his sense of color use and composition in his photographs, as well as his ability to depict social, cultural, and societal contexts and contradictions within a single image of a seemingly banal everyday moment. This ability encourages the viewer to reflect and think more deeply about what is presented.”

“The themes I pursue often revolve around the beauty and transience of everyday life. I aim to capture moments that usually go unnoticed but carry a special meaning or emotion.”

What is your creative process like?

“My creative process often begins with traveling to a different city. For some reason, I find that I can't fully engage in my style of photography in my own city or hometown; I struggle to tap into that creative feeling here. I need new influences, a different language, a different culture - essentially, a different input than what I get at home. I aim to capture the pulse and rhythm of the city or place where I'm photographing, and I often find myself waiting for an hour or more at a street corner or intersection to capture a specific moment. I always prefer areas off the beaten path rather than the local hotspots to experience the authentic daily life of the city. I also prepare thoroughly for these trips. I carefully plan my photography excursions, researching the location and using Street View in advance to get a general idea of potential spots for shooting and how best to get from point A to point B. I consider the optimal times for shooting, looking at maps to see if it might be interesting to photograph at sunrise or sunset. This preparation helps me bring the right equipment and avoid carrying unnecessary gear. After a photo trip, I always review the photos, sort through them, and usually, only a few remain that are worth editing to highlight the intended message.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“The role of an artist in today’s society is multifaceted and continues to evolve. Artists often serve as mirrors to society by addressing social, political, and cultural issues. They reflect on and question the world around them, sparking discussion and providing a platform for important societal topics during times of intense social and political upheaval. Art can connect communities and create a sense of identity. Artists create spaces for cultural exchange and foster a sense of belonging through shared experiences and discussions. They are also often pioneers of new ideas and technologies. In today’s digital era, many artists use new media, from digital art to virtual reality, to develop innovative forms of expression and create new ways to interact with audiences. In terms of development, digitalization has revolutionized access to art, providing new opportunities for artists to showcase and market their work online. Artists use social media, online platforms, and digital tools to extend their reach and engage directly with their audience. Additionally, more and more artists are engaging with social and environmental issues, using their platform to raise awareness and drive change. Art is increasingly seen as a tool for social change and activism.”