The exhibition at the Vaska Emanоuilova Gallery presents two contemporary women sculptors belonging to the same generation whose approaches to the study, development and treatment of form contrast with each other.

Zoya Lekova creates abstract compositions devoid of any attempt at likeness and decorativeness. Over the past 25 years, she has been working on the Points of Intersection cycle combining stone, wood, metal and glass into abstract compositions that challenge our established notions of volume and mass. Her works are conceptual and monolithic, triggering a sensation of gravitation and balance through the use of mixed media.

Monika Igarenska is known on the art scene as a monumental sculptor. Over the last few years, she has been developing a cycle of works inspired by natural materials, recycling and rural lifestyle. Experimenting with the traditional technique of mixing clay and straw also adding elements characteristic of the papier-mâché technique, the sculptor has created a series of reliefs that constitute prints of utensils and knotted cord. These decorative motifs symbolize the ‘spiritualization of matter’, as well as the idea of eternal life in nature.

The exhibition seeks to present contrasting approaches to form in contemporary Bulgarian sculpture, while also revealing certain similarities between the artists’ creative endeavors. They both rely on tradition, experience and craftsmanship as the leading principles of their work as artists on the one hand, not shying away from experimenting and challenging established norms and conceptions on the other.

Zoya Lekova was born in the city of Plovdiv. She graduated from the National Academy of Art majoring in sculpture under the mentorship of Prof. Krum Damyanov (1993–2000). She has been teaching sculpture at the National Academy of Art’s Department of Metal Sculpture since 2008. She has been a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists since 2004. Ever since 1997, she has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, art contests and sculpture symposiums in Bulgaria, Germany, Canada, Romania, France, Croatia.

Monika Igarenska was born in the town of Mezdra. She graduated from the National Academy of Art majoring in sculpture in 2000. She has been a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists since 2007. She has participated in numerous national and regional exhibitions, biennials and symposiums. Her preferred genres are monumental sculpture, small-scale sculpture, stone relief, metal relief engraving, relief carving. She also experiments in drawing, as well as in techniques such as collage and papier-mâché.

The exhibition is organized within the framework of the Sculpture program of the Vaska Emanоuilova Gallery and a special program commemorating the 120^th anniversary of the sculptor’s birth.