“9 Stories” by Petya Karpuzova is a “minimalist” exhibition arranged in a bookstore, nestled in one of the emblematic buildings / Videlina community center / of the town of Pazardzhik. The small-sized illustrations, framed in a frame, are located between the books, whose plots they reproduce. Nine stories by contemporary Bulgarian authors - favorites of the illustrator, present us with moments that impressed her and left an impression. Ina Ivanova, Yordan Radichkov / but not the author of “We Sparrows”, but his grandson with the same name /, Georgi Gospodinov, Parushev are the writers who inspire Petya Karpuzova.
In just a week, the images of all her characters, the blind Vaisha, Kalin and Antoni, are born with acrylic, ink and markers. The images are made in the technique of collage, graphics and painting, with fast hand movements, with a lot of dynamics. Simultaneously expressive and loaded with symbolism. The overall effect is monochrome with colorful local spots that tell their stories. We are used to seeing illustrations mainly for children's literature, and Petya Karpuzova surprises us with the choice of authors and the approach to them. A little creepy, the images suggest that they are intended for older children who can look at the text and read the images. The most important part of Petya Karpuzova's illustrations so far is that they arouse the viewer's interest to immerse themselves in the world of the stories she has illustrated and to read them. In themselves, the works are small gems, made with a lot of love, like the place itself, hidden in the bosom of the city.
Photos: KnigArt Cafe
Text: Ani Stoykova
Ani Stoykova is an art historian, graduated from the National Academy of Arts with a degree in Art History. She works on various art projects with artists and galleries from around the country.
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