DREAMY PAINTINGS KEEP AN EASTERN EUROPEAN EDGE

Try to imagine what a selection of Bulgarian art might look like. It would probably be some blend of Cubism, Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism, right? Simply because those are the most dominant styles across the globe. It might be tinged with a touch of Eastern Orthodox iconography -- since that would be a traditional visual art touchstone in that part of the world. Finally, it probably would have some sort of political content, an acknowledgment of the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the rebirth of all the individual cultures in the old Soviet orbit.

Those were my expectations as I climbed the long flight of stairs leading to the Duque Arts Center (above Byblos Restaurant on Magazine Street) to visit "Rendezvous," a group show of Bulgarian artists Vassilen Vasevski, Kina Bagovska, Jordan Ivanov, Peter Mitchev and Stoyan Tchoukanov, most of whom now live in the United States.

And in fact, that's pretty much what I found -- with one exception. The show lacks an overt political edge. Instead, the overall atmosphere is a sort of dreamy, colorful, mystical blur. Apparently these artists are much more interested in romance and introspection than world affairs -- and, you know, who can blame them?

My favorite works in "Rendezvous" are the meticulously painted canvases by Mitchev, which blend a tightly controlled abstract style a la Paul Klee with the faceted appearance of Eastern European church mosaics. Mitchev has a wonderful knack for placing stiff human forms and busy passages of pattern within broad, misty areas of luxurious color. Those misty areas are places for the eye to rest before returning to the angular complexity of the rest of the painting -- an outstanding compositional tool.

"Rendezvous" continues through Thursday. Give it a look.

# # #
Doug MacCash,
Times Picayune, 04/09/04, New Orleans, LA, USA