Exhibition revisits forgotten Bulgarian artist Petar Dachev

The Sofia City Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition through the end of August showcasing more than 200 works by Petar Dachev, one of Bulgaria's largely forgotten painters. Titled "The Petar Dachev Case" and marking the 130th anniversary of the artist's birth, the exhibition is part of the gallery's project to reassess Bulgarian art between the two world wars.

The exhibition traces Dachev's artistic development through three distinct periods.

The first focuses on his Symbolist and Expressionist works, including paintings from his acclaimed 1924 solo exhibition.

The second features works created during his nearly decade-long stay in Istanbul, depicting the city's streets, harbours, markets, architecture and people.

The final section explores how his style evolved under socialism, when he worked within the framework of Socialist Realism.

According to the gallery, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on an artist whose work continues to raise questions about the boundaries of Bulgarian modernism and the international influences that shaped the country's painters.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova