Milan Andreev - Art, Bulgarian sculptor, Милан Андреев скулптор ,Bulgarian Art,

Altar 1999
Granite, Marble,
280 X 140 X 120 cm.

In the beginning of one’s creative career it is usually the inborn qualities that predominate. Somewhat later aesthetic views take shape, professional skills accumulate, and the artist gradually establishes his personal presence in society, negating or affirming values through his work.
Milan Andreev is a most convincing case in point. The incredible energy, which he invested in the modelling of his basic material - stone, was being directed in a strange, magic way back towards the spectators. The forms he created became sources of energy. His colleagues were the first to appreciate this quality of his. It was also noticed and encouraged by the critics. Fortunately, besides a strong talent and a sense of proportion, Milan Andreev is of a cast of mind, which urges him continuously to ask questions and to search for their answers, to strive persistently to be in step with the processes of world art. When he was faced with the problem of determining the genre of his works - sculpture displacing space or sculpture encompassing space - his response was not unequivocal. His artistic nature suggested to him a different creative approach. He powerfully thrust through his compact masses, let them be penetrated by light and the rhythm of free space, without however, depriving them of their density and solidity. He preserved the primordial force of the material and the energy he had imparted to it. Sculpture is a difficult and demanding art. It copes with real, tangible three-dimensional forms, which the hands of the veritable master transform into intellectual and plastic entities. Andreev is such a genuine master. He skillfully combines the component parts of his works, models immaculately their surface and thus creates an emotional state which is hard to explain in words. He creates the magic of art.

November 8, 1996.
Simeon Venov

meeting with Japan ↓ ↓

Meeting with yourself - The black hole
Granite
230 X 170 X 120 cm.

The ocean and the earth
Granite
250 X 120 X 70 cm.

A stone sculpture "Hope for peace"
A stone sculpture made in hope of peace is to be exhibited at the 2005 world exposition, Aichi, Japan. The work was done during my stay in Iwase-machi in lbaraki Prefecture, which was a part of cultural exchange programs between Republic of Bulgaria and Iwase-machi and Iwase Stone Work Museum. I went to Japan to participate in a cultural exchange program with a Japanese sculptor, Masaji Asaga and stayed in iwase-machi for 29 days. I greatly owe it to Mr. Asaga that I could realize my idea into my work for such a short time. He presented me a wonderful working and living atmosphare and his family aiso created a warm and congenial atmosphere. My wife and I became acquainted with many local people who showed a great interest in our work, sculptures and Bulgaria, which supported us a lot. Japanese friends are subtle, earnest and hardworking, but at the same time very curious and beauty-loving people. Owing to them, I could understand phenomena called a miracle of Japan. Before visiting Japan, my knowledge of Japan was films by Akira Kurosawa, Ukiyoes by Hokusai and Utamaro, Miyamoto Musashi and his Gorin-no-sho, samurais, pretty geishas, cherry blossoms, old temples and a Japanese sense of beauty. However, staying in Japan made me realize a true treasure was the Japanese themselves who had created those things. I visited many places such as shrines and temples in NIkko, Seiran Dojyo in Mito (where I touched a genuine Japanese sword for the first time), an indigo dyeing factory and potteries in Mashiko and met various people such as fishermen on the Pacific coast and young monks. I even had a chance to observe an over- one-hundred-year-old bonsai
. Whenever I think of Iwase-machi, it reminds me of moonlight refiecting in a strong stream of thinking and passion and also a lively chorus of cicadas during summer, which was unique and mysterious.
I am very grateful to have had an opportunity to know Japan.
I am very glad to hear that my work was exhibited at the Exposition. I really thank Mr. Masaji Asaga and people in Ibaraki Prefecture from my heart. I hope the friendship between the two countries is strengthened through their stone cultures.

May 1999 Sofia
Milan Andreev

large stone sculptures ↓ ↓