In the Burgas Art Gallery, "Petko Zadgorski" hosted the opening of the exhibition "Guest" by the artist Andrey Yanev, which marks the third and final part of a series realized over time in different cities. The opening took place in the old synagogue, which now houses the gallery, and gathered art enthusiasts on this special day.
The project, marking the 60th anniversary of the Burgas-born author, includes two works: the painting "Guest", created more than two decades ago, and a new sculpture from 2024, titled "Guardian". These works are presented among the permanent exhibition in the icon hall on the third floor of the gallery, creating a unique dialogue between past and present.
The director of the Burgas Art Gallery, Georgi Dinev, shared his impressions of the opening: "Today we are with friends and colleagues. This opening is different because it takes place in a special place - among the icons of the permanent exhibition, which resonate the space with their spirituality".
The curator of the exhibition, the director of the Art Gallery in Kazanlak, Plamen Petrov, emphasized that the project represents a "project in development" and finds its natural completion in the hometown of Andrey Yanev. He recalled that the series began in the National Archaeological Institute with a museum at BAS, passed through the Bachkovo Monastery, and now - in the heart of Burgas, in the building of the old synagogue.
"And all three spaces carry spiritual energy and coexistence of religions. The very presence of Andrey Yanev's works in this hall is like a visit from angels", said Petrov. He added that placing contemporary works in a space filled with icons is a gesture of kindness and hope. "Angels and kindness are visiting in life - let's not lose them", the curator concluded.
The artist himself, Andrey Yanev, expressed his gratitude to the institutions and the team that worked on the exhibition. He recalled that his first solo exhibition in Burgas was three decades ago. "Then too, it was raining, as it is today - a sign that everything is returning and continuing. It is an honor for me to be here, in this city, from which I started and to which I always return", he shared.
Yanev commented that working on the cycle was a path to spiritual understanding and to silence. "To be a viewer of what you create is sometimes more powerful than being an author. The space comes to life and carries its own meanings, which go beyond our intentions. Art is not so much a result as a state", the artist noted.
He added that the "Guest" project was also a return to the meaning of hospitality. "I believe that we don't need to have thousands of people around us to be together. It is enough to keep our homes and hearts open - just as this place opened its doors to me today", said Yanev.
At the end of the opening ceremony, a congratulatory address from President Rumen Radev was read. In it, the head of state defined Andrey Yanev as "an author with a deep philosophical view of the world, whose work combines symbolism and exceptional pictorial culture".
The event took place in an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. Attendees viewed the works, and the conversations came alive with enthusiasm for art.
The artist announced that his next solo exhibition will be opened in the "Nesi" gallery in Burgas on the city's holiday - December 6th.
The "Guest" exhibition will be open to visitors in Burgas until January 11, 2026.