13 Freeform Vases

Artist list

Dimitar Nikolaev

13 Freeform Vases is a new series of functional ceramic objects by Dimitar Nikolaev, which TESTA gallery will present from 20th to 30th of April. 

Although in this series the artist’s focus in on function, the perception is to a greater extent related to the sense of sculpture forms. Stylistically, in terms of work direction, approach and mastery of the material, 13 Freeform Vases possesses the aesthetics of his previous works, the finality of the form that has been brought out, but at the same time also a sense of simple elegance and movement, which unfolds smoothly and quietly.

“I have always listened to the language of Nature, following the rhythm of its dynamic symmetry.
This way I feel alive and free to play, with a prepared mind. In my work, I try to reach the simple existence of the art object – the naked construction of the mind is strange to me. I try to protect myself from the dependence of the ego. In the recesses of my intuition I am liberated from the lifeless packaging of habit, professionalism, and ambition. The trap of analysis destroys the MYSTERY.
A word – beyond the structure of the sentence, this is what inspires me. With a liberated spirit, in my imagination I discover and “fill” moments – crevices in tangible time…
This is how I create a particular aesthetic reality which helps me reach my own form and life in my works.”


Dimitar Nikolaev, born 1950 in Sofia, Bulgaria 

Education: Ceramics in National Art Academy in Sofia, in class of prof. Venko Kolev
Selected exhibitions:
1984 – International exhibition of ceramics, Valorie, France
1986 – International exhibition of applied arts, Hungary
1988 – Exhibition of applied arts, Germany
1990 - Design of the settings for Verdi’s opera “Rigoletto”, Summer opera festival, Holland | Solo exhibition in Vinkega, group exhibitions in Zwolle and Eindhoffen, Holland
1995 - Solo exhibition in Vinkega, Holland
1998 – Group exhibition at the invitation of the crafts chamber of Koblenz, Bonn, Koeln, and Essen, Germany | Award of Spring hall of the Union of Bulgarian artists, Sofia
2000 - Solo exhibition in Leevarden, Holland
2001 – Participation in the exhibition “Open stal” – Oldeberkoop and Frieseland, Holland
2002 – Award from competition of Union of Bulgarian artists in “ Cite interational des arts”, Paris
2003 – Solo exhibition in gallery “Elektra”. Malaga, Spain
2005 – Exhibition “Handwerk Koblenz 55+”, Koblenz, Germany
2006 – Solo exhibition in gallery „Rakursi“, Sofia
2007 - Participation in “Awards for contemporary Bulgarian art 2006”, Sofia
2008 – “Ceramic”, Koblenz, Germany
2010 - Solo exhibition in 1908 gallery, Sofia
2011 – Solo exhibition in 1908 gallery, Sofia
2011 – Exhibition “Dimitar Nikolaev and Kalina Kiperova – paintings, sculpture and photography, “Art impressions gallery”, Sofia