VEJDI RASHIDOV Expressive Emancipations
International Confederation of Art Critics
1
2
Vejdi Rashidov
Front Cover: “Untitled” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
3
ICAC
International Confederation of Art Critics
4
“Bull I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
5
6
VEJDI RASHIDOV WWW.VEJDIRASHIDOV-ART.COM
“Shout I” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
7
“Composition” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
8
Contents
The Artist
17
“The Transcendental Transformation”
23
Timothy Warrington, International Confederation Of Art Critics
“The Timeless Grace of Visual Poetry” Christopher Warrington, International Confederation Of Art Critics
31
“The Unrelenting Power from within” Karen Lappon, International Confederation Of Art Critics
43
“Freedom of Form” Timothy Warrington, International Confederation Of Art Critics
59
9
10
11
12
13
“Horns II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
14
Previous Pages: “Flat Head” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov “Head III” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
15
Vejdi Rashidov
16
The Artist
Vejdi Rashidov was born on December 14, 1951, in the southern Bulgarian town of Dimitrovgrad, in an ethnic Turkish family. He is a Bulgarian sculptor, a politician and the former Minister of Culture in Bulgaria. Graduating from the National Academy of Arts, Sofia in 1978; as a sculptor, Rashidov has authored statuettes for a number of distinguished prizes, as well as several large-scale works. Despite being a sculptor, Rashidov is a prominent social figure and has been an outspoken critic of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms. He became the first non-Movement for Rights and Freedoms candidate in many years to be elected to parliament from that constituency. As GERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria) decisively won the election and are in charge of forming a government, Rashidov was nominated as the party’s Minister of Culture of choice.
17
“Ram I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
18
19
Bronze Sculpture By Vejdi Rashidov
20
21
“Goat” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
22
Previous pages: “Shout I” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
The Transcendental Transformation
It is a futile task attempting to fully understand a sculptor without investigating his mind and thoughts. In fact, there is only one way to see beyond the textures and three-dimensional stimuli offered by bronze: to examine the hundreds of two-dimensional white, black and grey spontaneous gestures that allowed the statue to be conceived. Vejdi Rashidov’s artistic roots are highly complex and infinitely rich. Aspects of Russian Realism are mixed and intertwined with Post-Impressionism, Expressionism and profound surrealism. The wealth of artistic tradition and level of novel expression is staggering and a fabulously pleasant surprise for any art lover. Regardless of the artists innate creative energy, one would expect Rashidov’s artistic development from his days in School of Fine Arts “Ilia Petrov” in Sofia to have followed a traditional route. It is evident that Rashidov’s academic journey as well as his innate inclination towards art have pushed him towards a detailed and attentive examination of the human form. What is fascinating is the development and transformation of this observation into his uniquely personal and communicative form of art. Rashidov’s drawings indicate influences from east and west. Some of his sketches seem as though they originate from the Surikov Art Institute in Moscow while others are much closer to the western lines of thought and historical development.
23
24
“Impression III” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
The Transcendental Transformation
One can easily draw parallels with Toulouse-Lautrec in relation to many aspects of works as readily as one can identity elements of Schiele and Klimt. The approach to drawing is very gestural, seemingly spontaneous but with great care to be faithful to a central message. Intimacy is key to the artworks and the raw and unhindered confidence surrounding intimate and, at times, erotic elements give the artworks genuine transparency and artistic integrity. The drawings reflect a real and unrelenting drive to penetrate what lies beneath the superficial surface and this element sheds a lot of light onto Rashidov’s sculptural work. Analysis of Rashidov’s works on paper demonstrates the artist’s approach to reality. The sketches are a journey in themselves that explore the anonymous but perennial foundation of mankind that are then reflected in more abstract, more expressive, and ultimately more powerful representations of the unmitigated realities that surround existence.
Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics
25
26
27
“Impression I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
28
Previous Pages: “Bull” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov “The Goat” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
29
30
The Timeless Grace of Visual Poetry
Vejdi Rashidov’s sculptures are intensely expressive and can be described as abstract or expressionist, each sculpture being highly distinctive and saturated with new ideas, emotions and dimensions albeit always adhering to the creator’s narrative and philosophical path. The artist possesses the rare gift of been able to enthral the viewer with an immense sense of mystery and inspire curiosity through his enigmatic artistic process. From the perspective of art history, there are clear parallels to the art of the mind, the hidden dimensions of consciousness and a connection to the inner workings of expressive intellect but it cannot be denied that there is also something wonderfully ancient about Rashidov’s work. The viewer is at times reminded of the primordial aspect of early Egyptian sculpture, elements of Greek and Roman art and even of Cycladic culture, a little known Neolithic civilisation that inhabited islands in the Aegean sea approximately 4500 years ago. There is a primeval root in Rashidov’s works that connects him to the origins of creativity and allows him to truly explore and discover the most wonderfully communicative aspects of his work. There is a sense of pure mystical fascination linked to the sculptures that instinctively attracts the audience to each and every composition as the stark contrasts connecting the forms and shapes demonstrate the artist’s spartan complexity.
“Goat” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
31
32
“Impression IV” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
The Timeless Grace of Visual Poetry
Rashidov’s unique sculptural technique instantly captures one’s attention through the vivid detail and powerful movement contained within the subjects. The artworks’ unpredictable form is immensely thought-provoking and visually stimulating whilst the boldness of his approach and expressive manner proves his incredibly diverse dynamism and confirms his exquisite talent. Vejdi Rashidov has a highly expressive mind that he manages to translate impeccably well in all of his exceptional works of art. His creative imagination transports the audience to complete solemn serenity and the his passion shines through his artworks that, visible from the attention to detail, are clearly highly meaningful and important to the artist as well. The compositions are dramatic and compelling each telling a distinct story that is captivating and eloquent. Vejdi experiments with shapes and movement conceiving breathtaking and highly recognisable sculptures with a spontaneous method of creation, an exceptionally developed technique and a very individual style. Rashidov is a bold artist that is inherently enriched by limitless facets to his artistic heritage, message and expressive spirit. The results are artworks that are truly profound and incredibly inspiring to all who view them.
Christopher Rosewood International Confederation of Art Critics
33
“Stranger I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
34
“Stranger II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
35
“Head II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
36
“My drawings are the result of my sculpture” Auguste Rodin
37
“Head II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
38
“The Glory I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
39
40
““ By Vejdi Rashidov
41
“Stranger IV” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
42
Previous Pages: “Head V” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov “The Glory I” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
The Unrelenting Power from within
“Bronze Sculpture 109” is an excellent example of Vejdi Rashidov’s talent as an expressionist sculptor and communicator of emotions. The composition gives the impression of depicting an abstracted bust of a horse and vividly connects the observer to the timeless and silent nature contained within its subdued yet imposing posture. There is a quiet but constantly present electrifying energy radiating from the sculpture similar to a sleeping dragon that can awaken at any moment. The artwork is a significant piece that represents Vejdi’s skill, level of creative freedom and inventiveness. It conveys fascinating insight into the complex albeit intuitive vision that Rashidov possesses and there are numerous elements to the artwork that arouse intrigue in the viewers, who are ultimately trying to figure out and understand what the sculpture actually is and what it represents. The sculpture certainly portrays an animal, perhaps a horse or another powerful beast, and the essence of the artwork is open to interpretation forging great suspense and fascination for the audience. In fact, the process of examination is a stimulating aspect that makes the experience incredibly interesting and enjoyable for the admirer.
43
“Horns I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
44
The Unrelenting Power from within
When first scrutinising this phenomenal bronze sculpture and on primary analysis, the depth and the individuality of the piece portrays Rashidov’s great intelligence in how he, as a sincere and gifted artist, has the innate talent to draw ideas from his subconscious and create a truly profound work of art. The artist is able to convey diverse artistic ideas ranging from a classical appreciation of natural form to emotive use of shape and texture. The sculpture is abundantly inventive while simultaneously demonstrates genuine respect for art history through a unique mind and creative vision. Vejdi Rashidov is surely a very accomplished artist that possesses immense skill combined with a vivid and complex imagination.
Karen Lappon International Confederation of Art Critics
45
“Female Head” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
46
“Head I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
47
48
49
“Ram II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov Previous Pages: “Head IV” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
50
“Sculpture is an art of the open air. Daylight, sunlight, is necessary to it, and for me, its best setting and complement is nature Henry Moore
51
“Shout I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
52
“Shout II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
53
54
55
“Goat” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov Previous Pages: “Untitled” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
“Sculpture is the best comment that a painter can make on painting” Pablo Picasso
56
“Untitled” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
57
“Ritual III” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
58
The Freedom of Form
Vejdi Rashidov is an extremely talented artist who specialises in conceiving powerfully evocative sculptures and, following in the footsteps of artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello, he creates expressive preparatory and experimental drawings and paintings that are themselves distinctly exceptional artworks inherently saturated with skill and intellectual energy. In fact, Rashidov’s true talent and genius can partly be witnessed in his studies that fabulously come to life long before the sculptural process begins and, through the process of creative analysis and thought, greatly outnumber the realised sculptures. Rashidov is Bulgarian with Turkish origins and, at the time of this essay, holds the title of Minister of Culture of Bulgaria. He therefore has and continues to greatly contribute to art with his imagination and passion for innovation. Vejdi utilises with a wide variety of mediums, including fire clay, bronze, gesso, granite, stoneware and silver to compose his extraordinary sculptures. He also uses pencil, chalk, sanguine chalk, china ink and watercolour in other lines of work and consequently is a free and visionary talent with pure art exploding from his passionate soul. Rashidov’s diverse yet distinctive sculptures eloquently represent formidable emotions and possess the ability to provoke thought in the viewer. Strength is juxtaposed with fragility while expressive forms captured by the artist are able to communicate a deep delicate dimension combined with magical mystery.
59
60
The Freedom of Form
The spectator perceives subconscious elements of Rashidov’s being that cannot be described with words as every piece is saturated with great significance and thought. The artist’s inner emotions are translated into the artworks creating much intrigue for the observer, thus allowing the audience to ponder and reflect on the meanings of each sculpture that are a mixture of the ideas that the artist wishes to convey to the world combined with the intimate and personal interpretation of the spectator. Vejdi conveys his distinctive imagination and intellect that eloquently shines through every example of his masterpieces, all incredibly unique, and tells a story depicted through a miscellany of intriguing figures ranging from people and animals to the fascinating silent creatures that inhabit his subconscious. Vejdi Rashidov can certainly be compared to the likes of Giacometti as both artists are known for their representations of human figures as well as for incorporating surrealist elements in their artworks. Both artists are extremely complex and expressive talents, with the innate ability to mould sensational sculptures with tremendous depth, form and technique. In relation to surrealism, there is also a great affinity with Dalí in terms of ideas but also in the execution and discovery of shape and proportion. One can feel the intricate connection between Rashidov’s artistic output and the intangible parallels of his stimulating and intensely beautiful mind. The viewer can also perceive that Rashidov draws some inspiration from Sir Henry Moore and his monumental semi-abstract bronze sculptures. As mentioned previously, numerous artists use drawings to organise and develop ideas before transforming their thoughts into sculpture.
Opposite: “Pain” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
61
“Horns II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
62
The Freedom of Form
Indeed, both Moore and Rashidov have implemented this approach to bring their concepts and imaginations into reality but there is a distinction with many other artists. While drawing allowed earlier sculptors to learn and navigate the complexities of human anatomy and proportion, these two artists have chosen a different path and have allowed themselves to be guided by their hearts rather than their eyes. There is no attempt to capture a beautiful subject, rather there is the will to understand its essence and to penetrate the surface thus enabling the spectator to experience a visual representation of elements that are usually beyond the scope of what the eye is designed to perceive. Through the drawings, the observer encounters a marvellous process that immortalises the journey of emotions and delicate decisions taken during the conception of the three-dimensional masterpieces. It is truly a privilege to share the evocative and intimate steps through which the idea evolves from the artist’s mind to paper and ultimately to sculpture. Vejdi Rashidov’s artwork is exceptionally powerful and draws on his conscious and subconscious to convey his individual artistic vision combined with his extraordinary innovative nature, resulting in the subjects of his sculptures being wonderfully varied and unique. Vejdi Rashidov is an extremely talented artist with a deep understanding of culture and the world with the innate ability to communicate and express his innovative ideas and thoughts.
Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics
63
“Ritual I ” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
64
“Ritual II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
65
66
67
68
69
“Bull II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
70
Previous Pages: “Ritual III” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov “Ritual II” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov “Ram’s Head” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
“Jazz II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
71
72
73
“The Goat” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
74
Previous Pages: “Ritual I” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov “Jazz” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
“When I make my drawings... the path traced by my pencil on the sheet of paper is, to some extent, analogous to the gesture of a man groping his way in the darkness� Alberto Giacometti
75
76
77
78
“Ram’s Head” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
Opposite: “Bull III” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov Previous Pages: “Untitled” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
79
“Impression II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
80
81
82
83
“Jazz III” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov Previous Pages: “Untitled” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
84
“Jazz I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
85
86
87
“Stranger” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
88
Previous Pages: “Despair III” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov “Despair II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
“Untitled” Bronze Sculpture by Vejdi Rashidov
89
“Composition II” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
90
“Composition I” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
91
“Recumbent Figure” Drawing by Vejdi Rashidov
92
93
94
International Confederation Art Critics www.international-confederation-art-critics.org