Sound and Colour Plein Air: Artists in Strandzha

Artists from different generations and styles gather in Strandzha Mountain, near the seaside, for the traditional plein air event "Sound and Colour".

The initiative, organized by Darik Radio, has been held since 1999 and has built a creative community of over 190 artists, whose over 600 works are a significant addition to contemporary Bulgarian art.

This autumn, the organizers have gathered an impressive line-up of artists. Among the established names are Rumen Atanasov, Emanuela Kovacs, Stefan Bozhkov, Ivan Shishkov, Gergana Nikolova, Kalina Mavrodieva and Yuliy Takov – artists whose works are valuable for any collection.

This year"s edition of the plein air event is distinguished by the participation of eight new authors. Among them are Lyuben Malchev and Silvia Koeva-Popova from Kazanlak, with extensive experience from participating in prestigious exhibitions; Iliana Manukova from Plovdiv, known for her unconventional approach to abstract and figurative painting; Stoyan Ilev from Burgas, whose works skillfully combine classical techniques with digital media; Angelariy Dimitrov, distinguished by the Union of Bulgarian Artists in 2024; and Svetoslav Ninov, a young graphic artist, winner of an award from the national competition "The Next 25" in 2024.

The international participation this year adds to the vibrancy of the plein air event. The bright illustrator Alexi Nachev, living for years in Newark, USA, and Shevket Sjunmez from Istanbul, of Bulgarian origin, will enrich the creative dialogue.

As every year, the results of the plein air event will be presented to the Burgas public in the "Georgi Baev" gallery, on Independence Day.

In the solemn atmosphere of the opening, the authors themselves will be present, and visitors will be able to experience the new works created amidst the inspiring nature of Strandzha.

The "Sound and Colour" plein air event is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture, as well as with the kind assistance of "Ara Colors" (painting materials and canvases) and "Directa_q_ (Fabriano paper), providing participants with the necessary resources to realize their creative ideas.

The anticipation for the exhibition is great, and the atmosphere of expectation is palpable in the Burgas art circles.