The Kings of Hip-Hop

On November 27, 2004, the audience of the National Palace of Culture was dazzled by the virtuously performed figures and combinations of the dancers from Black Blanc Beur Formation. The performers proved to their young audience that Break could lead to the establishment of a true choreographic style.

A book and an exhibition on the diplomatic relations between Austria and Bulgaria

On November 10, 2004, the St. St. Cyril and Methodius National Library hosted a presentation of Rudolf Agstner’s book “Bulgaria–Austria. 125 years of Diplomatic Relations and 160 Years Representations of Austria (Austro-Hungary) to Bulgaria”. The presentation was followed by the opening of an exhibition of unique archive documents on the topic.

Rudolf Agstner is an eminent historian and diplomat, author of numerous research papers on the history of Austria’s diplomatic relations. He presented his book and read a report, dedicated to the anniversary. Rudolf Agstner accentuated on the interesting highlights in the history of the two countries’ relations and showed archive photos of the buildings of the Austro-Hungary’s diplomatic mission to Bulgaria, as well as stamps, project drafts and documents.

The fidelity of the images

On November 10, under the patronage of the Minister of Culture Prof. Bozhidar Abrashev and of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium H.E. Philippe Beke a photo-exhibition was opened of Rene Magritte (1898–1967). 62 of the best photographs of the artist were displayed in Sredets exhibition hall. Ivo Hadjimishev presented them.

Stavri Kalinov turned 60

On November 15, in the hall of the Sofia Military Club many politicians, public and art figures came to honour the 60th anniversary of the famous Bulgarian sculptor and painter Stavri Kalinov.

Unknown Artist at Maxim Gallery

On November 12, Maxim Gallery celebrated its first year in which it was born, learned how to walk and as Georgi Georgiev – Beni said: “with a infantile enthusiasm began to stride in the road of its professional growth.” It entered the cultural life of the capital city with its 15 individual and 5 collective exhibitions. The warm smile of the gallerist Mrs. Hristina Kaloferova and the cozy atmosphere of the gallery throughout the year tempted Iliyana and Anton Donchev, Ivan Milev, Ivailo Mirchev, Desislava Mincheva, Hristna Petrova, Lilyana Russeva, Stavri Kalinov, Svilen Blazhev, Andrei Daniel, Elena and Maria Gergov and their younger colleagues Milena Doncheva, Dimiter Petrov and Kiril Monkov.

The exhibition with which Maxim Gallery marked its anniversary is unique. It is of the artist Dimo Hristov Sotirov who has been engulfed in oblivion for over 50 years, completely unknown even to his closest relatives. Born in 1881 in Kalofer and graduated from the Art Academy in 1915, art teacher in Kazanlak and in his native town, he has left a priceless treasure of brilliant aquarelles and drawings.

Paper Art in Hungary

On November 10 at the Hungarian Cultural Institute an exhibition entitled “New trends in the paper art” was opened. The opening was attended by the Ambassador of Hungary to Bulgaria H.E. Dr. Bela Kolozsi, the Institute Director Gyorgy Arato, the curator Terez Borza, the artist Tsetsa Georgieva, who presented the exhibition, and by many admirers of Hungarian art.

Art in the New US Embassy in Bulgaria

H.E. Mr. James Pardew and his wife and Mr. Stefan Sofiyanski at the exhibition opening

On November 15, at the Sofia City Art Gallery the US Embassy opened an exhibition of works of 72 Bulgarian and American artists. The paintings, black and white drawings, photographs and sculptures displayed will adorn the offices and foyers of the new complex of the Embassy, which construction is to be completed by the end of the year. The exhibition was opened personally by H.E. Mr. James Pardew, US Ambassador to Bulgaria, by Mr. Stefan Sofiyanski, Sofia Mayor, and by Mrs. Vesela Hristova Radoeva, Gallery Director.

I feel at home everywhere

Snail Art for the first time in Bulgaria – an open-air exhibition implemented with the cooperation of Sofia Municipality and carried out under the patronage of Mrs. Zorka Parvanova. The initiative is a continuation of the Bridge of Love project and is part of the UNDP Bulgaria activities.

Balkan Artists 2004

Spetim Kertzov (Albania)

On November 19, at the National Foreign Art Gallery the laureates in the Balkan Artists 2004 competition were officially announced. Personally President Georgi Parvanov presented the prizes. 1st prize received the Romanian Zamfir Dumitresku, 2nd – the Bulgarian Aneta Ptrova-Dragushanu, 3rd – the Albanian Spetim Kertzov.