State Cultural Institute
Cultural Center "The Palace"
invites you to the
Exhibition of Graphics and Painting
by Nikolay Staikovski
"Retrospection of Civilization"
Nikolay Staikovski was born on May 11, 1956, in Pleven, Bulgaria. He graduated from the Sofia High School of Fine Arts in 1975 and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Poland, from 1977 to 1981 under Professors A. Rudzinski, H. Chrostowska, and E. Markowski. From 1982 to 1983, he studied painting with Prof. S. Rusev, and in 1987, he graduated from the National Academy of Arts in Sofia (graphic arts) under Prof. G. Simeonov.
Between 1999 and 2001, he pursued postgraduate specialization at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw with Prof. R. Strent as a Polish government scholarship recipient, and in 2001–2002 at the Radom Polytechnic, Department of Fine Arts, under Prof. K. Vizner.
Staikovski has been a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists since 1994 and has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions. He has held over 80 solo exhibitions of graphics, painting, sculpture, and happenings in Bulgaria, Poland, Russia, Austria, Slovakia, and other countries. He has received multiple awards, including the Second Prize at the “Warsaw Graphics” competition (1999) and a special award from the Union of Polish Artists (2000). His works are included in the collections of the National Art Gallery, Sofia City Art Gallery, I. Beshkov Art Gallery, the Historical Museum in Pleven, and private collections in Bulgaria and Europe.
Much of his early graphic work is inspired by national cultural and historical heritage. Ancient relics, Neolithic pottery and female “idols,” medieval and Renaissance churches and monasteries, towns, fortresses, heroes, and saints have all served as sources of inspiration. Staikovski approaches these themes with reverence and precision, emphasizing their authenticity and spiritual significance.
He asks, “To answer the question ‘Quo vadis?’ – Where are we going? – we must look to God, to the beginning of the path, and interpret the messages of the centuries. Humanity has crossed the second Christian millennium, but do we understand where we are going?”
Recently, his paintings have grown increasingly mature, symbolic, and vibrant, with rich texture and color expressed in a distinctive oil painting technique. In the series Orphistases (Temple Poses), Staikovski explores archetypal human images – simple, whole, and emotional. In Thracian Vine, he brings the mythology of the Thracians, our ancestors, to life. Particularly notable is the series Runic Messages, in which the artist uses runes (both pictograms and letters) and other ancient symbols. These works, representing objects of Beauty and Art, become objects of Power – talismans or potent energy programs that influence the destiny of the individual, fulfilling dreams and life goals.
Staikovski continues to receive numerous private commissions, honoring a tradition passed down from our ancestors. His work is luminous, positive, highly professional, accessible, and deeply meaningful.
Opening: July 15, Tuesday, 17:00
Location: “Tunela” Gallery, The Palace, Balchik
We look forward to welcoming you!
