Ognian Zekoff | Butterflies Inside The Shell
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Ognian Zekoff, “Silvermoon Light II” SOLD
Oil on canvas
72" x 48"
Ognian Zekoff, "The Dream Keeper"
Oil on canvas
54" x 72"
Ognian Zekoff, "Inside the Shell IV"
Oil on canvas
72" x 60"
Ognian Zekoff, "Silvermoon Light" SOLD
Oil on canvas
60" x 84"
Ognian Zekoff, "The Pearl"
Oil on canvas
60" x 72"
Ognian Zekoff, “The Butterfly 2023” SOLD
Oil on canvas
48" x 96"
Ognian Zekoff "Unveiling I"
Oil on canvas
60" x 60"
Ognian Zekoff, "Dancing Lights III"
Oil on canvas
96" x 48"
Ognian Zekoff, “Lifeline XI” SOLD
Oil on canvas
36" x 72"
Ognian Zekoff “Dancing Lights V” ON HOLD
Oil on canvas
96" x 48"
Ognian Zekoff, "The Pearl II"
Oil on canvas
60" x 72"
Ognian Zekoff, "Forgiveness"
Oil on canvas
72" x 54"
Ognian Zekoff, "Dancing Lights II"
Oil on canvas
48" x 48"
Ognian Zekoff, "Dancing Lights VII"
Oil on canvas
72" x 48"
Ognian Zekoff, "The Blessing IV"
Oil on canvas
72" x 36"
Ognian Zekoff, "Inside the Shell II"
Oil on canvas
72" x 60"
Ognian Zekoff "Dancing Lights IV"
Oil on canvas
96" x 60"
Ognian Zekoff, “Pearl III” ON HOLD
Oil on canvas
60" x 60"
Ognian Zekoff, "Dancing Lights VI"
Oil on canvas
72" x 48"
Ognian Zekoff, “Lifeline XII” ON HOLD
Oil on canvas
72" x 36"
Ognian Zekoff, "Inside the Shell III"
Oil on canvas
72" x 60"
Zekoff "The Peacemaker"
Oil on canvas
60" x 96"
Ognian Zekoff, “Inside the Shell I” ON HOLD
Oil on canvas
60" x 60"
Does the seashell suffer when the pearl is born within it? Similarly, does the butterfly suffer during its long metamorphosis toward fleeting beauty? Nestled in darkness, do they dream? Are we capable of delving behind their protective shells, embarking on the trajectories of their dreams, desires, and longings? Can we grasp that delicate thread between the illusions of waking and the bewildering uncertainty of sleep? Can that moment be captured and held onto?
For years, I have worked on different series aptly named, Ballet, where I tried to portray dance, the delicate purity of movements, and the exquisite curves of bodies. The painstaking work on each piece allowed me to delve deeper, to recognize the images taking shape on the canvas, and to reflect. The need to reproduce the admirable grace and lightness of ballerinas gave way to the desire to reach that intimate space, closely guarded like a seashell that holds its precious pearl within itself.
During the working process with my models, the ballerinas from the National Opera of Sofia gave me a different perspective. I saw them from a different angle--particularly the hidden part of their inner world. During moments of rest, they assumed relaxed, still, agile, delicate poses, resembling butterflies immersed in sleep. Yet, behind their sublime appearance, I could discern an immense internal strength born from suffering and fatigue, from years of hard work and deprivation. Strength devoid of destructive power concealed beneath an ethereal tutu akin to the seashell capable of transforming instantly by anyone who touches it.
All these thoughts and allusions gave birth to the title of this exhibition: Butterflies Inside the Shell.
- OGNIAN ZEKOFF B. 1964, Pleven, Bulgaria
