Ivan Shikerov (1928 - 1999) was a modern Bulgarian artist. He made his oil paintings in the second half of 20th Century. He was a remarkable person. The memories of him will be forever with those, who had a chance to meet him.
He now is on Heaven, however his Legacy, his Art is with us. The time has come: all works of Ivan Shikerov need to be published. Thus everyone would have a chance to appreciate their aesthetic value. In short time the art historians will introduce the Artist in their books. It is a recognition, which Ivan Shikerov fully deserves.
Generally, there have been three creative periods in the evolution of the Artist. Till 1970 his style was shaping: he was studying the modern European art, the Renaissance and also following the Thracian-Pelasgian rich vein of art traditions. At the same time, Ivan Shikerov had to subdue his creative preferences. Officially, he followed the line of the political regime: with strong 'realistic' fables and working class heroes. The colours of that communist art were dark and gray. Any difference had to be avoided.
The second period is between 1970 -1990. The Author made his name on the official scene. He has taken part in 14 national exhibitions. Some of his paintings were bought by the biggest national galleries. However, the Artist was never a member of the official 'National group of painters'. He has been left out rotting in the marginalia and never received recognition and prices. Due partly to the fact: he started inserting abstract visions into the official socialistic - realistic line. Most importantly, in this period Ivan Shikerov created his little abstract paintings, which have been the basis of his art in the final years of his life.
The third and final period was the last decade of 20th century. It has been the time, when Ivan Shikerov created his best paintings. Ironically, the pick of the genius was reached without any note from the officials and art 'erudites'. They all preferred to close their eyes and leave the Artist die in silence. Feeling the physical weakening, Ivan Shikerov let his extraordinary talent take charge and was painting dominantly abstract art.
He was not interested in the crowded world around, not particularly in his paintings. He was splitting the material, deconstructing the world and the space, exposing the deepest places of the soul and finding the limited basics of the creation. He was looking for God by disposing the covers and clothes, by looking beyond Good and Bad. Respectively, he expressed his brilliant colour skills and used all spectrum of visual options. He was shaping a new world by de-shaping the existent matter...
May God bless him and all of us!
Stefan Shikerov joined Pixels.com Licensing on March 11th, 2013.
