Brad Cooper Gallery to showcase Bulgarian artist’s paintings
THE TAMPA TRIBUNE, THURSDAY, MAY 24. 2001

Brad Cooper is about to burst with excitement.

His gallery in Ybor City has reached the level of development where he can confidently showcase the works of a world-renowned artist.

“Mystery,” which wiIl open Saturday, is a solo exhibition of 32 recent oil-on-linen paintings by Bulgarian-born artist Peter Mitchev.

According to Cooper, Mitchev’s work has a sensibility that is based on the art history of the culture he’s from, a history that includes the Byzantine era, the Venice of the Doges and the Middle Ages. Mitchev creates characters from this history who embrace the human condition.

“I think that's what the public will be able to connect with,” Cooper said. "This work is so strong it's more easily accessible to the public.”

Mitchev, who recently moved to the Tampa Bay area with his wife and two daughters, is one of the most productive and successful artists in Europe. His works are on permanent exhibit in galleries in 25 counties on five continents and in private collections worldwide, including the home of Pierre Duquet, lifetime academician of the French Beaux-Art, where they hang on the wall next to Picasso and DeBuffet.

French author Jean-Claude Brisville, who reviewed Mitchev’s work prior to an opening at the prestigious Galerie Celine in Paris, called it “priestly and passionate. Mitchev, through his work, opens up to us one of the most mysterious and transcendent perspectives of contemporary art.”

“He’s one of the top artists in Bulgaria, and we’re trying to introduce him to Tampa,” Cooper said. “It’s actually pretty amazing that he’s even here in this area. It's a real privilege to be able to exhibit his work.”

Meet the artist and see his works at a free opening reception at the gallery from 7:30 to IO p.m. Saturday. The exhibit will run through July 21.

Brad Cooper Gallerv is at 1712 E. Seventh Ave. in Ybor City. For information, call (813) 248-6098.

Esther Hammer