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 (c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Pavlina Shkenderova
From June 7 to June 15, 2022 lo3eto hosted its first exhibition – A Carefree Visit To a Vain Party, a solo show by Valko Chobanov
A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party reveals a very personal poetic approach to visual creation proposed by the artist Valko Chobanov – too distinguishable in his constant ride on the concepts of artistic exploitation. It is the second solo show the artist does in 2022, together with the curator Vanya Grozdanova, winking to the former one presented in March and April 2022 in the space of ICA – Sofia under the title An Otherworldly Backup Plan For A Vicarious And Accidental Visit To An Ineffable Afterparty.
The narrative is again very imaginative, and in this show, it is literally elfin. It celebrates the summer solstice, it pours itself from the deepest soul transformations, accumulating suffering and ecstasy, bursting with knowledge, understanding, simplicity, joy, also calm still outrageous wisdom.
A broad story of elements builds the complete project, starting outside, going inside, and burning it out, literally. The artist builds sculptural objects from clay, mixing them with objects of various origins, including some of nature found in the nearby surrounding. The whole show erects nostalgia. But in an overcoming fun-filled manner of handling and going further. It opens pores and crashes into the brain cells. Using colors, light and curves, repeating patterns and chants, it glitters the viewer, purifies and uplifts as a treat.
Valko Chobanov is a visual artist and an independent curator.
Born in 1991 in Plovdiv. He graduated in Scenography at the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, Plovdiv, and Digital Arts at the National Academy of Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria.
He works in the media of painting, video art, and performance art.
He has participated in various group exhibitions and projects in Bulgaria and abroad.
In 2017 he had his first solo exhibition „Inorganic / Organic ”, presented at Cu29 coffee&gallery (Plovdiv). Valko Chobanov is the BAZA / Young Visual Artists Awards winner in 2019. His curatorial practice includes various projects such as “My Dear Provincialist” (2017), realized together with the curator Victoria Draganova in Swimming Pool, Sofia, the solo exhibition of Dimitar Shopov “Aunt Milka” (2018) in ICA – Sofia, the group exhibition “Particular Impulse” (2020), which took place in the open stage for art and culture FLUCA in Plovdiv, and later the program of exhibitions for the entire 2021 season of FLUCA. Valko Chobanov is among the initiators and organizers of the annual group exhibition “Onomatopoeia”, which is characterized by the participation of many young Plovdiv artists (realized annually since 2011).
https://www.valkochobanov.com/
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The artist answers a few brief questions,
following the opening of the exhibition at lo3eto:
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Valko Chobanov
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Tsvetomira Borisova
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Pavlina Shkenderova
How would you describe “A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party” to a curious stranger who didn’t join it?
VALKO: To the people who did not join I can never describe the event completely because it was more than an exhibition or a party to me personally it was more about the sense of connecting with the people and the nature around us.
What do you value most about realizing this project?
VALKO: It was my first solo show that was not in a gallery space. And it was actively utilizing elements like fire, wind, water, wild flowers, sunlight (some of the works were solar-powered), and dead branches from the ex-vineyard.
How do you remember the opening in three words?
VALKO: Carefree, vain, party
What was the background that brought you to this carefree visit of a vain party in June 2022?
VALKO: I have worked with natural elements and themes in my art practice since the beginning of it. This was an attempt of mixing natural and fantasy elements as well as drawing influence from the psychedelic festival culture in its many forms. And as always in my practice, I try to mix a healthy dose of kitsch and absurdist visuals.
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Tsvetomira Borisova
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail
photo by Pavlina Shkenderova
Which part of your professional practice keeps you more high – that of an artist or that of a curator?
VALKO: Without a doubt my work as an artist.
Share with us some of the intangible ingredients that keep you going.
VALKO: Nature/internet
Where do you imagine yourself heading next?
VALKO: I would like to keep working on my art if possible. But making it as a professional artist in Bulgaria I think is impossible If you are not willing to compromise with taking commissions or working a side job. But still, I hope I can do it and be happy doing it.
 (c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Tsvetomira Borisova
 (c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Pavlina Shkenderova
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Valko Chobanov
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Valko Chobanov
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (detail)
photo by Tsvetomira Borisova
(c) Valko Chobanov, A Carefree Visit to a Vain Party (process)
photo by Tsvetomira Borisova
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In June
Gems, pool, wings, and glitter.
The summer solstice in coins.
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(c) Prepared by Vanya Grozdanova, 2022
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