‘PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION’ Former addicts are opening up through ‘Progress not Perfection’, an art exhibition that will take place at Debut Contemporary gallery in Notting Hill, London, from the 15th to the 21st October 2015. The project is ideated and curated by London-based artist originally from Slovakia, Daniela Raytchev. “Addiction is an illness and should be treated as one”
Addiction is a state characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli, despite adverse consequences. The purpose of Raytchev's project ‘Progress not Perfection’ is to raise awareness of this condition, pass on the positive message of strength and hope for the possibility that one can change and to lose the stigma and judgments that come with it. The project will show that there are many people who have overcome their addictions. It is nothing to feel ashamed about and many times the experience can be profound in creating new values in people’s lives. “Progress not Perfection” is being held in support of Beat, the UK’s leading charity supporting anyone affected by eating disorders, for which Raytchev has been chosen as their Selected Artist for 2015. "I love this project as it breaks down the myths of addiction. To learn about oneself is not a job, it’s a right - Thank you ‘D’. x” Gok Wan The exhibition exposes through abstract portraits of people who are in recovery, the whole spectrum of addictions as no matter what the symptoms are, they are all the same illness. In each individual work, Raytchev shares part of herself, as well as, an honest interpretation of what she sees in an attempt to relate and reflect on emotions that can arise as a result of conflict. Her artistic ethos is to address certain social stigmas through art, such as addiction and abuse and to create visual interpretations of the psychological and physical effects these conflicts can have. Her paintings have a refreshing honesty, exploring personal narratives that are executed with artistic finesse.
DANIELA RAYTCHEV Originally from Bratislava, Slovakia, Daniela Raytchev’s art offers a rare subjective expression and perception of the world through her figurative and abstract drawings. With a foundation degree in Art and Design from Central St. Martins and a BA from London College of Fashion, Raytchev’s creative talents aren’t restricted to one type of media. Working with charcoal, ink, acrylics and experimenting with digital collage, she creates expressive abstract figurative paintings and portraits with fluid colours and intricate drawings. Large gestural painted marks with a full sweep of arm and body movements give huge dynamic sense of movement to her work. Raytchev’s work has been mentioned in Times and Huffington Post. She has done collaboration with Purling London, a luxury chess company. She has also been chosen as Selected Artist for 2015 for BEat eating disorders charity.
‘It’s Easy To Know What Makes You Feel Secure, Once You Know What Doesn’t’ (2015) 165x135cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £5000 SOLD
‘Eventually You Have To Talk’ (2015) 205x170cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £8500
‘There Is No Order Without Chaos’ (2015) 155x125cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £7200
‘Ok By Myself’ (2015)
200x135cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £5500
‘Pink Cloud’ (2015) 200x50cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £2900
‘Maybe I Like My Silence Now’ (2015) 170x135cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £5700
‘Seen’ (2015) 145x120cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £5200
‘As You Are…’ self- portrait (2015) 205x165cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £7500 SOLD
‘Aware’ (2015) 185x150cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £5900
‘Gracious’ (2015) 153x122cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £4800
‘Today Is Completely Different and I
Love It’ (2015) 140x130cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £4500
‘At the moment I took that decision, everything changed’ (2015) 153x122cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £4750
‘Wonder’ (2015) 180x145cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £7200 SOLD
‘It’s As Good As It Needs To Be’ (2015) 100x70cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £2000 ‘Findings’ (2015) 100x70cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £1750 ‘It Gets Different’ (2015) 100x70cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £2000
‘Frontiers’ (2015) 90x60cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £1750
‘Frail’ (2015) 80x60cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £2500 SOLD
‘Poise’ Self-portrait (2015) 185x160cm, Acrylic on Canvas, £10000
‘Addictions’ Chess Set PURLING LONDON: LUXURY CHESS SETS £4995 The chess set names ‘Addictions’ is about the inner conflict between the negative destructive self and the toxic crutches we may hold on to as a result of fear and anxiety (Black pieces) against the self, which is loving, positive and nurturing (White pieces). Both kings are white because the addiction is separate from the person. One is fighting against oneself, thus no one really wins.”
For press & sales enquiries: Samir Ceric, Founder & CEO samir@debutcontemporary.com
Debut Contemporary 82 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London W2 5RT +44 (0) 20 7221 1651