60. Think of me as a fire [1982]

Dimitar Kirov is an emblematic representative of the so-called “April Generation” of artists, who entered Bulgaria’s artistic scene in the early 1960s. He belonged to the Plovdiv group, which also included Encho Pironkov, Yoan Leviev, Georgi Bozhilov, Ivan Kirkov, and others. The composition “Think of Me as Fire” is thematically connected to Lyudmila Zhivkova — an emblematic figure of the socialist period and daughter of the totalitarian leader Todor Zhivkov. She remains a controversial figure in Bulgaria’s modern history, having devoted much of her effort to the establishment of cultural institutions and artistic initiatives. Her name is associated with the creation of the “Lyudmila Zhivkova” Foundation (later the National Gallery for Foreign Art), the International Children’s Assembly “Banner of Peace,” and other initiatives. The painting was created around the time of the grand celebrations marking the 1300th anniversary of the founding of the Bulgarian state in 1981 and the official opening of the National Palace of Culture. This event was among the defining cultural occasions of the decade. Dimitar Kirov created a monumental canvas in which he combined symbolic elements such as the figure of Lyudmila Zhivkova herself, a garland of flowers, a red Pegasus, and the “Banner of Peace” monument, all swirling in a circular composition around the sun. Dimitar Kirov’s painting is distinguished by its metaphorical subject matter and composition, expressive brushwork, pronounced dark contouring, strong contrasts between large fields of color, and a stained-glass-like visual effect. (S.N.)

Dimensions

width 91.5 cm, height 123 cm, custom 123 × 91,5 cm

Description

oil on canvas, signed and dated bottom right, in blue, "ДиКиро, (19)82"

Lot.notes

signed and titled on the back, in brown, "Димитър Киров, Мислете за мен като за огън"

Dating

1982

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