An exhibition in Sofia will explore the artistic and personal connection between Bulgarian painters Vera Nedkova and Kiril Tsonev, said the National Art Gallery Monday. Titled Vera Nedkova – Kiril tsonev: Encounters, it will be on from October 21 to November 20 at the Vera Nedkova House Museum, which is part of the National Art Gallery system.
The exhibition focuses on the relationship between two artists whose work and outlook helped introduce a modern European spirit into Bulgarian art in the 1930s.
Nedkova and Tsonev belonged to a generation of artists whose experiences in major European art centres helped shape their artistic views and distance them from traditional Bulgarian genre of realism. Nedkova spent her youth in Vienna, while Tsonev developed his artistic outlook in Munich.
After returning permanently to Bulgaria in 1934, following an extended stay in Vienna, Nedkova encountered a conservative artistic environment. She found a kindred spirit in Tsonev, who helped her enter Sofia’s artistic circles and supported her first solo exhibition, held at the Preslav Gallery that year.
Tsonev also wrote the foreword to the exhibition catalogue and introduced Nedkova to prominent Bulgarian art historian Nikola Mavrodinov. Recognizing her talent and modern artistic expression, he invited her to join the Society of New Artists, one of the most progressive artistic associations in Bulgaria at the time.
What began as professional support for a young artist developed into a close creative partnership that contributed to the development of Bulgarian painting. Their friendship and mutual respect are documented in surviving memoirs, writings and other materials, according to the National Gallery.
Vera Nedkova was among the first Bulgarian women to devote themselves to painting. Her works are regarded as Bulgarian modern art classics, noted for their powerful visual impact. Art historians describe her as unmatched in intelligence, talent, depth, balance and refinement – both in her work and in her life, ranking her among the foremost figures of the 20th-century European art scene. Following “Western trends” was never a dilemma for her – she was part of them.
After the communist takeover in September 1944, the family of Nedkova’s father, Todor Nedkov, was expelled from Sofia. Refusing to conform to the doctrines of socialist realism, Vera Nedkova continued to paint – often at night – but stopped exhibiting her work. Between 1946 and 1961, she headed the medieval art restoration workshop at the National Archaeological Museum, where she restored some of Bulgaria’s most valuable medieval icons and murals. In the early 1960s, with the gradual liberalization of artistic life, Nedkova resumed participation in the Union of Bulgarian Artists’ general exhibitions and took part in more than 15 exhibitions of Bulgarian art abroad. Retrospective exhibitions of her work were organized in 1973 and 1984.
Nedkova continued painting until the end of her life. Even her failing eyesight would not stop her; she adapted by separating her paints into light and dark colours.
July 7, 2026 was the 30th anniversary of Nedkova’s passing.
National Gallery Presents Exhibition on Artists Vera Nedkova and Kiril Tsonev THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-19 13:59:00
Ramaswamy Campaign Admits It’s Behind Inflammatory Ad Featuring Rival’s Estranged Mother 2026
Latest news World news Country news Most important news latest news most important latest of the day Culture news Bulgaria, Bulgarian culture news, Bulgaria cultural news, latest culture news, breaking culture news, Bulgarian arts news, Bulgarian cultural events. Bulgarian artists, Bulgarian art, Bulgarian literature, Bulgarian books, Bulgarian writers, Bulgarian authors, Bulgarian music, Bulgarian musicians. Bulgarian cinema, Bulgarian films, Bulgarian theatre, Bulgarian actors, Bulgarian directors, Bulgarian festivals, cultural festivals Bulgaria. Bulgarian museums, Bulgarian galleries, Bulgarian heritage, Bulgarian traditions, Bulgarian folklore, Bulgarian history, Bulgarian archaeology. Sofia culture, Plovdiv culture, Varna culture, Burgas culture, Ruse culture, Bulgarian cultural heritage, Bulgaria UNESCO heritage. Bulgarian exhibitions, Bulgarian concerts, Bulgarian performances, Bulgarian cultural institutions, Bulgarian national culture, contemporary Bulgarian art, Bulgarian creative industries. Bulgaria cultural events, Bulgarian cultural news, Bulgarian entertainment news, Bulgaria arts and culture, Bulgarian cultural tourism, Bulgarian historical sites, Bulgarian landmarks.
BULGARIA NEWS – NEWS AGENCY 2009–2026 2026-10-19 13:59:00
Billionaire Scored Trump Pardon After $50 Million Deal With Alina Habba 2026
Leave a Comment