Positive critic from INTERNATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF ART CRITICS (ICAC)

I’m pleased to share with you the positive critic I received from INTERNATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF ART CRITICS (ICAC).
ICAC is a community of professionals qualified in History of Art, Curatorial Studies and other related fields. Their role is as an interpreter, a translator of the wonderful disciplines incorporated in visual art. Art Critics have the responsibility to act as a link between the viewer and the artwork.

”Svetoslav Stoyanov’s oil paintings are exquisite manifestations of a gifted mind that are formed by surrealist compositions able to transform the subjects into entirely novel and unexpected entities capable of surprising and moving an observer. Stoyanov commenced his creative journey at an early age, initially taking inspiration from nature and the warmth of Bulgarian architecture but later transformed, through an inner sense of rebellion, towards the fantastical and unknown worlds of Surrealism, propelled by his love of music. An immensely refined technique is accompanied by a great respect for history, reflected in the flawless execution of ships and mysterious medieval or ancient fortifications, juxtaposed with the idea of new life and maternity which he communicates through the depiction of children and suggestive female figures. Stoyanov beautifully captures the passing of time and the sense of burgeoning new horizons by depicting a wide range of symbols throughout his work, varying from butterflies, birds and autumn leaves to references of music and peculiar paths leading to enigmatic unchartered territories. Symbolism is a subtle but strong element in Stoyanov’s artistic conceptions and the spectator is stimulated on numerous fronts that are connected in his elegant and intricate compositions enriched with profound philosophical ideas.

Svetoslav Stoyanov’s impressive talent and endless motivation to explore various art forms has led to a unique and thought provoking artistic style which can be described as surrealism, magic realism or fantasy realism.  Stoyanov certainly draws inspiration from Ivan Aivazovsky, evident through their passion for seascapes and ships, and indeed the creative process shares an artistic technique and a romantic energy with Stoyanov’s style of work. Both artists hold the innate ability to create picturesque landscapes with an impeccable eye for detail and a passion for nature which they gracefully highlight in their works in such a way that the viewer feels entirely transported. Stoyanov combines this passion with multiple artistic inspirations and as a result he creates an undeniably individual and personal style that he executes to an incredibly high standard.

The artist’s compositions depict realistic features in an imaginary context and he disapproves of restrictions in art following a belief that art should be free and raw self-expression. Following this line of thought, Stoyanov manages to playfully and eloquently combine the subconscious imagery of surrealism with strong ties to reality, creating inextricable comparisons to the work of Salvador Dali, whilst maintaining an undeniably individual style.

Svetoslav possesses an artistic vision and imagination that goes beyond the usual confines of the human mind which enables him to uniquely interpret his surroundings with immense attention to detail and a curious eye that examines limitless frontiers with such astounding clarity. The vast scenes depicted encourage the imagination of the viewer to delve further into the mysteries of fantasy. Stoyanov flawlessly translates his perspective of the world through his art with perfect use of movement, colour and experimentations with various materials. His work always retains a sense of his artistic roots, frequently favouring a natural setting in which to host his fantastical imaginings and occasionally referencing his early love of Ivan Shishkin’s dramatic yet peaceful landscapes.  The environments Svetoslav masterfully constructs are impeccably executed and allow the viewer to escape into the calming scenery he envisions beyond the realms of reality.

Stoyanov effortlessly paints passionate skies and tall trees with gracefully created roses in bold reds and surrealistic blues through which his affinity for nature is evident due to the Love with which he paints it.  His use of such vibrant colours creates an instant emotional connection with the viewer and Svetoslav successfully highlights the beauty and fragility of life and the world, while creating images which are at times ideologically reminiscent of the work of Banksy in the way that he casts light on the innocence and beauty in life, while seamlessly merging it with something more complex. This is exemplified in paintings such as Childhood Memory, Creator of Reality and Innocence where the purity of the young children depicted creates an instant and visceral connection to the viewer who is cast back to a time of innocence and left with a powerful sense of optimism and hope.

Stoyanov fluently combines Surrealism with his early love of hyperrealism and in so doing creates thoroughly unique works of art enabling him to share his passion, beliefs and dreams.  Parallels can certainly be drawn between Svetoslav Stoyanov and the work of René Magritte and Giorgio de Chirico through their execution of composition, delicate approach to the practice of chiaroscuro and extraordinary observational skills. Stoyanov’s artworks depicting boats and pianos floating on clouds are superbly imaginative and convey his immense intellect. In fact, both Stoyanov and Magritte express themselves with thought provoking motifs and a dreamlike narrative that resonates with the audience.

Svetoslav illustrates the nude form realistically and gracefully in his work, successfully evoking thought and emotion in the viewer with every painting. He combines several subjects in the compositions thus intensifying the emotional response of the viewer and the level of interest as the works transcend the unexpected journey into endless stories ready to be told. The spectator can also certainly identify a shared emotional and spiritual identity between Svetoslav Stoyanov and Max Ernst. Respectively, the artist’s paintings all tell a comprehensive story making them intricately powerful and meaningful as they use captivating hues which spark fascination and appreciation within the observer who discovers, with every look, something deeper to contemplate.

Stoyanov is tremendously imaginative and takes inspiration from an infinite array of stimuli. Whilst he has studied the works and styles of many artists, he has learned the most from the greatest teacher of all; nature. It is evident throughout Stoyanov’s work that he is incredibly observant and analytical of his surroundings and this clearly impacts his artistic style and approach. Svetoslav has a great passion for his art and a powerfully strong connection with his imagination and subconscious mind that is beautifully communicated in his innovative and unique creations which are a testament to his immense talent.”

Critique by Timothy Warrington