Bulgaria // Then + Now
Time: August 8, 2009 at 7pm to September 5, 2009 at 7pm
Location: Hygienic Art Galleries
Street: 79 Bank Street
City/Town: New London CT 06320
Website or Map: http://www.hygienic.org
Phone: 860-443-8001
Event Type: gallery opening, art
Organized By: Hygienic Art

Hygienic Art Galleries, the frontrunner of new vision and horizons of Connecticut art, presents an exhibit spanning almost twenty years of a creative and cultural exchange between Bulgarian and American artists made possible through the Griffis Foundation of New London, CT and the Orpheus Foundation of Sofia, Bulgaria. Through this exchange program artists and writers were given the opportunity to seek the unknown through a new world of experiences. The history of the group in the words of Levchev reads "like a ship's log a logbook of voyagers". Throughout the years here in New London we have seen glimpses of the exchange artists at the Griffis Art Center and the Alexey Von Schlippe Gallery. This month at Hygienic Art the exhibition Bulgaria // Then + Now will bring together a selection of works of this band of voyagers. A selection of paintings, drawings, film, photography, sculpture + poetry reflecting the artists' experience during their residency exchange + their most recent endeavors as well as a look into some of the history and friendship created!

Mark's Statement

In Bulgaria I discovered a refreshing latitude and longitude with unique vistas in the Rhodope mountains and architecture. The artwork that I saw in the various churches and museums resonated. West may often influence east but on this journey I embraced the light of east & west. The influence of iconographic work spoke on a reverential level. The warm reds and black so pervasive in works in the museums of Bulgaria resonate a rich and serious, almost brooding, influence. Landscapes that are angular and verdant - with a geographic proximity to Greece that exudes a warm and rich Mediterranean light.

The highlight of the experience was the influence and inspiration of Lyubomir Levchev and his brilliant wife Dora Boneva. It is poignant that my guide and sponsor, Bulgaria's preeminent poet, would have been the lead figure who guided my journeys. My Dad, a poet, often quoted from great historic works and it was a joy to be in the presence of a Bulgarian poet.

Experiencing a culture that had adapted, weathered, and triumphed through so many centuries was an important contribution to my work at a time where such contribution was pivotal. The Orpheus and Griffis influence enriched my vision at time when historical values in American society were coming into question in my artistic expressions. I see our society often values turnover and obsolescence to drive economy, yet in Bulgaria I saw centuries of resolute accomplishment refurbishing and refining technique at a slower, quieter pace.

When I returned to the United States I felt as if I had experienced exposure that refined my valuation of culture. Following the loss of my Dad I dedicated an elegiac series in memory of him entitled Trees. As I incorporated the Bulgarian experience into my efforts, I've developed a more cohesive and interrelational palette along with stronger, more grave, composition.

My expression of Two Pines may well be motivated by appreciation for my Dad's love for a lonesome pine. In this motif, I found a pronouncement of synergy and symbiosis. Without overplaying the aspect of an acorn not falling far from the tree, this was about honoring my Dad and wanting to always be near his ideals and stature.

A voice that began much earlier in my artistic endeavors is experiencing a language that now is coming into being.

My heartfelt thanks to:
The Griffis Foundation for selecting me for this program and funding the travel and expenses - the Orpheus Foundation for providing the housing, programs and exhibitions - and finally the Griffis Art Center for the consistent encouragement, professionalism, and caring.


Participating American + Bulgarian artists + writers + contributors: Anne Seelbach, Ariel Mitchell, Brad Guarino, Charles Chu, Cathy Doocy, Chris Zhang, Claudia Dinep, Debi Pendell, Donna Martell, Greg Bowerman, Gretchen Hatfield, Julia Pavone, Kat Murphy, Karen Rand Mitchell, Sharon Tripp Griffis, Lyubomir Levchev, Leda Startcheva, Dora Boneva, Marta Levcheva, Mark Mckee, Mark Dixon, Mark Patnode, Ron Crusan, Ted Efremoff, Valentin Krustev, William Meredith, Richard Harteis, Zdravko Palazov, Todor Shopov, Valentin Startchev, Phred Mileski, Sandy Taylor, Julia Malinova, Svilen Blajev, Hughes Griffis, Dora Yankova, Hugh Kenneth Hill, Kristin Patrashkova

Special thanks to Julia Malinova, Crissy Milo and Paula Cancro!

For More Information:
http://www.hygienic.org/events/bulgaria-then-now-1


Mark's Studio-Sharon House, Polkovnik Serafimovo, Smolyan, Bulgaria


      A few of the works Mark generated in Polkovnik Serafimovo


                                Mark and Smolyan Gallery Staff


                        Mark, Anton Donchev, Lyubomir Levchev

Featured in this exhibit are two works Mark executed in Bulgaria and one work done following his Residency. Pictured above is "House & Plum Tree" a work done on location on the grounds of the Sharon House (named for Sharon Tripp Griffis) in the village of Polkovnik Serafimovo in Smolyan, Bulgaria.


Mark's easel - set up in a gorge in the Rhodope Mountains not far from Greece


Back in the Sharon House Studio


Lyubomir Levchev carrying Bulgarian linen for Mark's series


Marta Levcheva, Phred Mileski, Mark (Photo-Brad Guarino)


Staff of the Smolyan Art Gallery photographing Mark's painting for exhibit announcement


A portion of Mark's exhibit at the Smolyan Art Gallery, Bulgaria


One aspect I enjoyed in Bulgaria repeated itself in the USA. I was honored to have renowned American vocalist Phred Mileski sing at the opening of my show at the National Palace of Culture, Sofia, Bulgaria. In the United States, at my show at 3rd Rail Studio, New Rochelle, NY, I was honored to have renowned American vocalist, Cristina Necula, arrange a series of songs specifically designed by her for the exhibit of my Bulgarian works.

Phred Mileski - National Palace of Culture, Sofia, Bulgaria


Cristina Necula - 3rd Rail Studio, New Rochelle, NY


Borislav Chouchkov, Mark, Natalia Uzunova, Consul, Consulate General - Bulgaria - at Mark's show in New Rochelle, NY