Ivan Kirkov (1932 – 2010)
Ivan Nikolov Kirkov was born on January 1, 1932 in Stanimaka (now Asenovgrad).
1955 – Graduated from the Academy of Arts (VIII "N. Pavlovich"), majoring in painting as a student of Prof. Kiril Tsonev and Prof. Iliya Petrov.
Since 1957, he has participated in the General Art Exhibitions of the country.
1961 – At the First Youth Exhibition, his painting "By the Sea" became one of the highlights of a wide public controversy, and his name became synonymous with nonconformism and audacity.
1969 – His first solo exhibition established his reputation as a principled opponent of routine and visual vulgarity.
A long-time lecturer at the N. Pavlovich Institute of Fine Arts. With more than 40 years of creative and teaching activity, Ivan Kirkov established himself as one of the original Bulgarian painters and educators. He worked in various fields and genres – painting, poster, scenography, monumental art. The artist is part of the most active and discussed generations of Bulgarian artists and intellectuals with an undeniable place and contribution to Bulgarian modernity.