_{Image courtesy of Stefan Petrunov}

Interview: Stefan Petrunov

Luca Curci talks with Stefan Petrunov during VISIONS the third appointment of ANIMA MUNDI FESTIVAL in Venice.

Stefan Petrunov graduated the National Academy of Art “Nicolay Pavlovich”, Sofia, in 1991. He took part in a few mixed shows in Bulgaria in 1992. In March, the next 1993 he opened his first one-man show at the Grove art gallery in London. During the following years he worked as a graphic designer and web designer. In 1996 he started work for one of the biggest companies at the time for clip art; it was the Canadian New Vision Technology that had clients such as Microsoft corp. and Getty Images. In the year 2000 he was nominated for best Bulgarian postage stamp by the Vienna International Postage Stamp Exhibition – short WIPA. In the period between 2001 and 2007 he worked for the English Swan Multimedia Ltd. as a graphic designer and art director. He decided to return to the world of painting in 2007.  Later he took part in a few mixed exhibitions and opened a solo exhibition in March 2009 at Sofia Press Gallery in Sofia. In his participation in Barcelona Showcase of Contemporary Art-27th April 2013, he won “Barcelona Showcase Best Artist Award 2013” given by the jury.

 

_{Image courtesy of Stefan Petrunov}

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

Stefan Petrunov – Yes, it’s very actual and inspiring. Visions are at the beginning of everything.

 

L.C. – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme?

S.P. – It’s connected as a visional example of an exotic image from the exotic parts of the world.

 

L.C. – What role does the artist have in society? And the art?

S.P. – In my view, the role an artist has in society is very important, and it’s not just being a decorator. Artist means to be very observable and sensitive in everything around, trying to create and establish his own artistic world and showing his view of life.

 _{Image courtesy of Stefan Petrunov}

 

L.C. – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?

S.P. – I studied fine arts. Then I had to work as a graphic designer for a long time. From some period of time, I came back to painting, feeling I can’t live without it.I’m interested in human presence and behavior, and all that experience is the object of my art.

 

L.C. – How do you find creative inspiration?

S.P. – I’m inspired by many things. Mostly from painting itself.

 _{Image courtesy of Stefan Petrunov}

L.C. – What is the most challenging part of creating your artworks?

S.P. – For me, the most challenging part is to relate and implement new ideas into painting, and make experiments.

 

L.C. – What is your idea of Its Liquid Group?

S.P. – It’s Liquid Group presents a different type of art as it is .And yet, it ends with a very exciting contemporary arts synthesis.

 

L.C. – Did you feel comfortable cooperating with us?

S.P. – Yes, it was very interesting for me to take part in it.

 _{Image courtesy of Stefan Petrunov}