On October 10, 2017, the last – fourth exhibition with illustrations for the tetralogy “The Ring of the Nibelung. Sunset of the Gods” was opened on the 4th floor of the Union of Bulgarian Artists. The illustrations are by Petar Stanimirov, the author of the adaptation of Wagner’s libretto is Elena Pavlova, and the designer is Krasimira Despotova. Kibea Publishing House embarked on the ambitious project at the suggestion of the artist himself, and so four years and 222 illustrations later, the story was completed and presented to the guests in the gallery. For all fans who have followed Petar Stanimirov’s work, this exhibition will definitely be an incredible experience, and if there are those who have not yet encountered the artist’s fabulous images, they will have the opportunity to get acquainted with him through these nearly 60 panels.
The exhibition was opened by Anton Staykov, who congratulated the team on behalf of the Union of Bulgarian Artists. “Pepi Stanimirov has known for years how to draw with a pencil, with ink, with a tablet, but the most important thing is that he knows how to work with spaces and fantasy territories. That is why we all love him and he has so many fans.”
Gergana Racheva once again emphasized how important the symbiosis in teamwork is – a libretto should turn into a text without sounding artificial; the illustrations should be bright, memorable; the design should be clear, beautiful; the publication should be ambitious and meet all high criteria and not compromise on anything. “This is a book that looks to the past, we have it in the present, but it will certainly remain in the future!”
Elena Pavlova shared that the work on the books was not easy and there was not a little. The text itself is not strictly guided by the libretto itself, but is inspired in its own way by it and preserves the fairy-tale logic, so that it is easily readable and captivating.
Krasimira Despotova noted that there are two main things in a book: “when there is a good text, when there are some nice illustrations, then the designer’s work is a pleasure”.
Petar Stanimirov announced that the project is already completed, but that other adventures await him soon. “There is no point in explaining how I drew them, how difficult it was for me… The only feelings I feel right now are two: one is relief and joy that I have completed a huge work, and the other is sadness that I have finished it”. The artist thanked the team with whom they worked all this time and the Kibea publishing house.
The exhibition will be in the halls of the Union until the end of October.
Photos: Milena Radeva – you can see more photos here.
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