Art for everyone and everywhere

It is sometimes said that there exist two kinds of sculptures –the one of mass and the one of movement. This division is certainly simplistic, but by being conformed to it, even provisionally, we are led without hesitation to classify the work of Jivko Sedlarski in the second category. In fact, if the term "kinetic" did not already have a precise and limited sense, it would be tempting to apply it to his work - not because it moves, but because it breathes and expresses the notion of movement.

One must observe the polished metal flags raised by the wind as their shape suggests and seems to be blowing to be convinced of it, or even the "launch devices" that appear aggressive as they seem ready to detach themselves from their base. It’s the energy in its purest form that animates all these works, that energizes the material they are made of and that makes the air vibrate around them.

Very often, the sculptures of Jivko Sedlarski are progressions, forms that proliferate, and apparently mock the laws of gravity, which highlights another feature - the contrast between the actual weight and the apparent lightness of the work. In fact, it is the first one that supports the second one, which allows the artist to push its forms beyond the point where the balance would normally be broken. The result is a sense of mystery and almost of danger, which adapts very well to some lyrical touches (think of the light blue plates that crown his admirable "Breton sky"). In sum, it is a vision at the same time strong, fragile and intriguing just as Jivko Sedlarski offers - and it is a privilege for us to be admitted to share it with him.

Vincent Nach

2007 - Council of Europe

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