Denitsa Todorova (1984°, Bulgaria) came to Belgium to study art. Since then, she participated in numerous institutional exhibitions in Belgium and abroad. She had solo and group shows in galleries in Belgium and the Netherlands.
For her work Denitsa was awarded with: Prize from STRABAG Art Award International, 2017 and the Drawing Prize Ronse, 2014 and 2015. She has also been nominated for awards and honors, including the FID drawing prize Paris in 2017 and the Art Contest Brussels in 2016.
In 2021 her monograph “Phosphenes (seeing stars)“ was published by Stockmans Art Books. The catalogue includes texts by Philippe Van Cauteren, Pieter Vermeulen, Eric Min and poems by Peter Verhelst.
For Between Us, the exhibition at Queens Brussels, Todorova created new work in which she explores matter, time and movement. Her drawings, composed of numerous graphite layers, are the result of a lengthy, so physical and emotional process of building, erasing and scraping away, with which the artist explores the limits of both paper and her own body. To do so, Todorova uses a process similar to the sgraffito technique, in which a line drawing is scratched into fresh mortar. It is a very intensive process that requires supreme concentration and resembles a meditative dance.
Interaction with the space is crucial in Todorova's work, as is interaction with the viewer. With her drawings, the artist creates new mental spaces in which the viewer can find his or her own way. The mix of reflections and feelings her works evoke is what Todorova's work is all about.
Recognisable patterns loom in Todorova's abstract universe. Fragments arising from the artist's observations, memories and photographs taken herself. Floral and natural elements are the result of a recent residency in Spain, secluded from the world, isolated at the top of a mountain, in close interaction with nature. A lace-like line drawing harks back to the use of lace as decoration in Catholic churches. Marble patterns refer to the painted marble imitations on the skirting boards in the Queens building.
Video interview at the studio. Watch here:
