Still Lifes, Lyubomir Savinov’s fourth solo exhibition at the Krug Plus Gallery is a retrospection of works from the early 60-ies to the late 90-ies. And there are some common features between his earliest work, when Savinov’s is only 22, and his latest ones.

Monumentality – the sizes are enlarged, the forms are often hypertrophied. 

Distinctness of silhouettes achieved by a categorical contour.

Dominance of vessels – the jugs and pottery are the main characters.

Savinov’s early still lifes are unexpectedly powerful and daring, built from complexly orchestrated contrast colours to which harmonious nuances have been found. In the lower tones. The vessels are the prima donnas, altos, and contraltos. Slightly or strongly deformed. The remaining objects and the background are a maestoso accompaniment.

In the late 60-ies almost monochrome paintings appear built from an anxious vibrato brush work. Vessels. Emphasised voluminousness. Their timbre coming from the double bass’ thickest string. Symmetrical. With no adornments.

 

The still lifes – an ignored genre – are a part of Savinov’s work. They describe their creator’s emotional discontent and meditations through the years. They have accumulated fury and deeply hidden sadness.

Krassimir Iliev