Original artwork description:

LE GRAND BLEU
by VALENTIN BAKARDJIEV
sustainable art project
This project relates to the world culture. I apply ancient craft techniques taking them to a fine art level. One of the early and main inspirations came from the Delfts blauw ceramics. Exploring the vibration of the blue pigment and ornaments, cracks and shades of old glazes that creates different multi-layered textures and specific depth. In this project I apply the Shibori technique with Indigo and ink on different papers, such as washi, calligraphy, recycled and even pieces that are 300-year-old* handmade Japanese papers. Placing many layers of semi-transparent paper exploring the possibility of creating the deepest blue colour as symbol of endless sky and deepest ocean. With my artworks I'm creating windows to different worlds guiding the viewer to make its own story. The sky and the ocean are connecting us in a world without a border’s and we all breathe the same air. We are living in one Blue planet. Le Grand Bleu is expressive, passionate, powerful and intimate. The blue shows the best of different worlds. It is my world.
The ancient crafts I use come from an era when our planet was still clean. Putting my work in a new context of sustainability and multidisciplinary art. Some paintings were donated for fundraising to the Amsterdam Dinner 2017, an annual gala event that supports the fight against AIDS. It completes the cycle of the blue project. This is the moon cycle in my art, from inspiration to giving back.
* I received 300-year-old paper pieces from Peter Poldervaart (1943-2019).
He told me: “ Valentin, I kept those papers for so many years, don’t keep them- use them!”
Peter Poldervaart was the head of paper restoration atelier at the Rijksmuseum for 27 years. I was presented to Peter in one opening of exhibition in Cobra museum few years ago. Since then I visited his atelier several times having wonderful time sharing our love for paper. During these visits I learned from him different ways of working with handmade papers and glues. He teaches me through his illustrated books of lectures during his studies in Japan. I have been privilege to drink water from the spring!!! Thank you Peter!

Materials used:

washi, calligraphy, recycled, handmade Japanese papers, natural indigo, ink, glue on canvas, coated with UV Protection varnish

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