Ubavka Tonchev and Konstantin Simeonov – Kostika. Exhibition SCULPTURE and PAINTING
Ubavka Tonchev and Konstantin Simeonov – Kostika
Exhibition SCULPTURE and PAINTING
5 – 24 November 2024
Opening: November 5, 2024, 6:00 p.m.
The exquisite sculptures and drawings, “sophisticated plastic on picturesque canvases,” present the colorful creative tandem—Ubavka Tonchev and Konstantin Simeonov—Kostika (1952-2019)—in the Art Gallery in Ruse. The two authors, who connected during their studies at the Academy of Arts in Sofia, retain their individuality in art. They also share a commitment to balance, equilibrium, and sustainability in their ideas and in how they are brought to fruition.
“There are eternal themes in art – good and evil, black and white, sun and moon…” says Konstantin Simeonov – Kostika in an interview. This is what motivates me in my work. Artists will do whatever it takes to ensure that good triumphs. “And it will win. There is no question. If it doesn’t, the whole human race is doomed.”
He represents common human themes in his works while also seeking out the funny, unexpected, and small purely human curiosities that elicit laughter and smiles in our melancholic surrounding world.
The second member of the tandem, Ubavka Tonchev, captures mood and type with perfect skill in her small sculptural forms. In the upcoming exhibition, she presents her wonderful bronze sculptures, transporting the audience into the miniature world of her characters. This world is filled with a little irony and sympathy, and it is this that makes her a sought-after author in the contemporary artistic space.
The author will also present pastel drawings and paintings in a small format. These new works, as defined by art critic Anelia Getova, indisputably reveal another side of her essence as a creator. They emerge after the loss of her husband, transforming her grief into art.
UBAVKA TONCHEV – sculptor
Born in 1951 in Topli Dol, Serbia. In 1978 he graduated from the National Art Academy “N.Pavlovich”, Sofia – majoring in sculpture. Since then, he has been actively working in the field of monumental sculpture, decorative and small sculpture. Her works are executed in bronze. All are single pieces – unique.
KONSTANTIN SIMEONOV-KOSTIKA – sculptor
(1952 – 2019) In 1978 graduated from the National Art Academy “N. Pavlovich”, Sofia, majoring in sculpture. Actively works in the field of monumental sculpture, small sculpture in stone and bronze. Together with his wife Ubavka Tonchev, they have realized many monuments in Pleven and surrounding towns. Since 2004 he also turns to oil painting.
The two authors realize and participate in numerous independent collective exhibitions outside the country and in Bulgaria. They are the winners of a significant number of nominations. Their works are part of the collections of the Sofia National Gallery of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and almost all galleries, and are also owned by private collectors in Bulgaria, Germany, America, Sweden, France, Italy, Hungary, Serbia.
Art Gallery – Ruse
39 Borisova” str.
