Gergana Rahneva's exhibition "Kimono of a Goldfish" is a poetic reflection on freedom, cultural symbolism and personal experience in a transformative time.
The symbolism used allows Rahneva to express complex, universal ideas of freedom, longing and transformation in a way that goes beyond literal representation. A goldfish, for example, is not just a fish - it embodies wealth, happiness and the human desire for liberation.
Living in China exposed Rahneva to Eastern cultural symbols such as the goldfish (a Chinese symbol of wealth and contentment) and the kimono (a Japanese garment associated with elegance and tradition). By integrating these symbols, she connects her Bulgarian identity with her experiences abroad, creating a dialogue between cultures.
Symbolism provides a way of processing and indirectly communicating personal experiences, making her art both introspective and relatable. The isolation of the pandemic has led the artist to reflect on the freedom she channels through the goldfish's journey. She notes that during the pandemic "all you can think about is how to be the same free, independent, travelling person again". The goldfish's ability to 'fly' and 'swim' symbolises her longing to regain this freedom, making the symbol a vessel for her emotional state. Gergana Rakhneva uses symbolism in her work to intertwine personal yearnings, cultural influences and universal aspirations. The goldfish and the kimono serve as powerful metaphors for freedom, adaptability and the pursuit of happiness, reflecting her experiences during the pandemic and her intercultural journey. Using symbolism, she creates art that is both deeply personal and broadly meaningful, inviting viewers to find their own "islands" of interpretation.
