_{Image courtesy of Alexander Kaprichev}

Interview: Alexander Kaprichev

Luca Curci talks with Militsa Kapricheva on behalf of Alexander Kaprichev during BODIES the first appointment of SURFACES FESTIVAL 2018 in Venice.

Alexander Kaprichev (1945-2008) a Bulgarian artist who after graduating the National Academy of Arts, Sofia, had been a  Freelance artist working in Varna, Bulgaria. Between 1999 and 2006 he lived and worked in England. He returned to Bulgaria planning retrospective exhibitions both in Varna and London which unfortunately he could not see through due to his sudden death in 2008. His art comprises fine art paintings and monumental artworks. Critics relate his art, particularly in his final years, to the lyrical abstraction and the abstract expressionism. However, drawing on Bulgarian and world art traditions and modern trends, he created an individual and discernible style of his own. In his lifetime he concentrated more on creating artworks than showing them and had fewer exhibitions and only one solo show. Posthumously his art was shown in retrospective exhibitions, at London Art Biennale, 2015, 2017; X Florence Biennale, 2015;  12 Star Gallery, London, 2018; the Room Art Space, Venice, 2018.

_{Image courtesy of Alexander Kaprichev}

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?

Militsa Kapricheva – Having graduated from the Academy of Arts, Sofia, it was the trends of 20^th century art, both European and American, that had the greatest impact on my artwork.  Creating artworks and living in the UK between 1999 and 2006 was of pivotal importance. My inspiration and upsurge is hopefully reflected at its best in the paintings and watercolours of that period.

 LC – Which subject are you working on?

MK – Kaprichev focused his art on Time (present and time past that will always be present in time future), space and human existence.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?

MK – In nature, the universe, philosophy, music and human existence.

_{Image courtesy of Alexander Kaprichev}

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?

MK – Expressing beliefs and ideas in the best  way through the composition, light,  colour and conveying a message.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?

MK – Yes

LC – What is the message linked to the painting you have shown in this exhibition? How is it connected to the theme of the entire festival?

MK – The play of colour and light expresses the spirituality of the body at its best.

_{Image courtesy of Alexander Kaprichev}

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?

MK – A very open approach to art including traditional and cutting edge trends in contemporary art. The theme of the festival allows freedom of expression which gives the opportunity of each artwork to convey its message

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?

MK – The whole process of submitting application, confirmation of acceptance, curating and the opening of the exhibition at the Room Art Space was smooth, efficient and professional.

_{Image courtesy of Alexander Kaprichev}

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?

MK – The service is excellent. Will be delighted to collaborate in the future projects.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?

MK – Cooperating with you has been smooth, professional, efficient and enjoyable.

_{Image courtesy of Alexander Kaprichev}