From Science to Silk: Bulgarian artist returns from Ireland

Tales of avian legends have taken flight in the grand foyer of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Ethnography and Folklore to mark the feast of St Brigid, the ancient Celtic goddess of health, craft, and womanhood.

The exhibition, titled ‘Symbols of Mobility’, features 12 large-scale wings crafted from silk and felt. The show represents the first solo homecoming for Dr Niki Collier, a Bulgarian scientist-turned-artist who emigrated to Ireland 27 years ago.

Collier’s path to the Dublin arts scene was unconventional. She originally moved to Ireland to pursue a career in computer science and artificial intelligence. However, after years in academia and starting a family with her British husband, she pivoted towards traditional crafts and visual arts.

Renowned for her resilience, Collier also played a pioneering role in establishing the first Bulgarian Sunday school in Ireland. Her diverse contributions across both the community and the arts have earned her numerous prestigious awards.

The Sofia exhibition follows successful showcases in Dublin and Vienna. ‘Symbols of Mobility’ marks the first time the artist’s work has been presented in a solo capacity in her homeland.

The works will remain on display until the end of February. In an interview with Radio Bulgaria, Collier reflected on her "glowing lamp of dreams", her experience of raising her children, and her profound connection to Celtic mythology.

'I have brought my entire flock here. We have found a nest in the Ethnographic Museum,' says Collier. 'It is an absolute pleasure to work with this team. All the encounters surrounding this solo exhibition have been so uplifting—I feel as though the things I am saying are things people have been harbouring within themselves for years. Through this exhibition, I am encouraging us all to be brave and curious.'

The artist explains that the wings, made from wool and silk, are exceptionally light. 'The entire collection fits into a single bag, yet when you enter the museum, the wings unfold to fill the whole hall. There are the wings of the phoenix — that was the first story I ever told. Also here are the wings of the wild swans, who in the Irish version are three brothers and a sister who knits magic sweaters from nettle yarn.'

'There are also stork wings,' she continues. 'For me, these are very symbolic and emotional because they represent a connection between Bulgaria and Ireland. In both countries, the stork symbolises spring, the only difference being that there are no storks in Ireland. Anyone seeking kindness, light and hope can stand beneath the stork's wings and pray for health, as is the Celtic tradition associated with bird wings."

Collier shares that she was once '100 per cent certain' that she would return to her homeland after completing her research project in Ireland. 'I wanted to work as a lecturer. I planned to study there and then come back to Bulgaria and put my academic knowledge to good use. But my plans went awry,' she says, reflecting on her life since moving to Ireland 27 years ago.

'However, I met my husband, a British citizen, and we decided to stay there on neutral territory. Now, when asked where they are from, the children say they are 50 per cent English, 50 per cent Bulgarian and 100 per cent Irish,' says Collier. 'They don't attend a Bulgarian school. We simply have a very complex family dynamic and additional daily logistical challenges. One of my children has special educational needs.'

'But to "atone for my sins", I will say that I was actually one of the founders of the Bulgarian school in Dublin,' she adds. 'It was called Az sam bulgarche (I am a little Bulgarian) and it existed for just three years, from 2007 to 2009. After a short break, it became the predecessor to the current Azbuki school, which is featured in a short documentary film titled The Best Chicken in my present exhibition."

Collier reflects on how people often fail to notice what is right in front of them. 'Every day offers a new challenge in which we must find ourselves. Life reminds us that the world around us is not designed to be easy. But whatever happens, we must preserve who we are. For example, I have limited use of my right hand and people often ask me how I manage to make so many things from felt. However, I have my own approach. I sit down and talk about everything I do, even the simplest idea, and discuss it with others. I feel like I belong among all other people."

Editor: Elena Karkalanova

Posted in English by E. Radkova