'Touches to the Picturesque Portrait of Varna' is a guest at Varna Free University
From May 13th to 31st, 2025, Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" welcomes an enchanting and picturesque story - the exhibition-installation 'Touches to the Picturesque Portrait of Varna' from the Art Marconi Gallery. The presentation of the exhibition will be on May 13th at 1:00 p.m. in the Central Lobby of the university. It will be attended by Vanya Markova - the engine of the Art Marconi Gallery and arch. Irina Eftimova - an alumna from Architecture and among the creators of the Information Register of Varna's Immovable Cultural Heritage www.varnaheritage.com. The 'Varna' award will go to arch. Eftimova for the project.
The canvases of Vladimir Rachev, Ventsislav Markov, Ivaylo Evstatiev, Ivan Dodov, Iliya Kasabov, Iliyan Peev, Irina Markova, Emiliya Boyadzhieva, Kamen Kisimov, Klementina Mancheva, Lora Marinova, Reneta Pavlova, Samuil Georgiev, Svetlin Nenov, Sevdalina Dragneva, Tatyana Polikhronova and Hristina Tsonkova - artists united by their love for the seaside capital have already been arranged in the Central Lobby of the University.
"This exhibition is a kind of homage to the city - to its architecture, history and spirit. In the paintings you will find iconic buildings and details that every Varna resident carries in their heart: the corner of their favorite street, the facade of an old house, the symbols of maritime glory and artistic life. The project also has a special historical dimension - it includes the sign of Varna, created by Iliya Kasabov more than half a century ago, which is still an emblem of the city today", said Vanya Markova.
Each canvas is accompanied by a QR code that leads to the website www.varnaheritage.com — a priceless digital archive that reveals the stories behind the facades: who the architect is, when the building was built, where it is located and what its significance is for the appearance of Varna. Thus, art and technology intertwine to give the viewer a full experience and knowledge.
Following the success of 'Portrait of Varna in One Hundred Paintings', which received the Varna Award, this mobile version of the exhibition makes the works more accessible. From the monumental size of 360/270 cm., the original project has been adapted to a flexible installation of 210/150 cm, which can be a guest in various public spaces. The goal is for more people to experience the artistic spirit of Varna, even outside the galleries.
The exhibition is also a compliment to the students of Architecture, Design and Arts — the future creators of the city’s silhouettes from the Varna Free University. It inspires and reminds us that Varna is not just a city, but a living canvas on which generations leave their marks.