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The first edition of SOFIA ART FAIR took place from October 3rd to 6th 2024, marking a significant milestone as Bulgaria’s inaugural contemporary art fair. The event brought together a dynamic blend of artists, galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts from around the world, creating a vibrant atmosphere of creativity and cultural exchange. With a mission to foster both artistic expression and the growth of the art market, the fair provided a unique platform for emerging and established artists to connect with a global audience.

Co-organizer Radoslav Mehandzhiyski reflected on the inaugural event, describing it as “very emotional” due to the high level of interest and the number of visitors. The four days of the fair were filled with energy and enthusiasm, with many attendees experiencing contemporary art for the first time. The accompanying program of lectures and presentations was carefully curated to offer a diverse view of contemporary art, ensuring that a variety of perspectives and topics were covered.

Highlights of the public program included a lecture titled How to Enter New Art Markets?, featuring Patrik Steinhauser, founder of STEINHAUSER Gallery in Bratislava. The session, moderated by Radoslav Mehandzhiyski, provided insights into strategies for artists and galleries looking to expand into new markets. Another engaging talk, The Importance of Christo’s Parisian Projects, was delivered by Laure Martin Poulet, president of the Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped project. Poulet shared her experiences working closely on Christo’s monumental projects, including the Iron Curtain (1962), Pont Neuf empaqueté (1975-1985), and Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (1961-2021). Additionally, the discussion Navigating Your Growth as an Artist: From Self-Management to High-Profile Art Establishment featured insights from Kostas Papakostas, a Greek-born artist whose career has rapidly grown, leading to representation by galleries in London, New York, and Paris. This session, also moderated by Mehandzhiyski, offered valuable advice for artists aiming to advance their careers.

The first edition of SOFIA ART FAIR set a strong foundation, offering a space for artistic dialogue, exploration, and discovery. With its blend of exhibitions and thought-provoking discussions, the fair made a meaningful impact on Bulgaria’s cultural landscape, positioning itself as a hub for contemporary art in the region.

.ART has selected the top five booths at the first edition of the Sofia Art Fair. 

Little Bird Place (Sofia, Bulgaria)

Little Bird Place stands out as Bulgaria’s only gallery dedicated to contemporary art focused on nature, biodiversity, and ecology. The gallery offers a unique space that extends beyond conventional exhibitions, including curatorial collaborations, audiovisual presentations, and events that celebrate the aesthetics of nature in the heart of Sofia. At the Sofia Art Fair, Little Bird Place showcased the works of Nora Ampova, Lyuben Domozetski, and Alexander Lazarkov, emphasising the gallery’s commitment to ecological themes and its mission to bring contemporary art to a wider audience.

Structura Gallery  (Sofia, Bulgaria)

Founded in 2017, Structura Gallery has become a prominent platform for contemporary art in Bulgaria. It regularly hosts solo and group exhibitions, artist residencies, and educational projects, contributing to the local and international art scenes. Structura’s initiatives, such as “Hotline” (involving international curators working with Bulgarian artists), “Structura Open Windows” (a residency program for creating works in response to Sofia’s urban environment), and “Art Corridor” (offering residencies abroad for Bulgarian artists), highlight its role as a catalyst for cultural exchange. At the Sofia Art Fair, Structura presented the works of Krasimir Terziev, Stanimir Genov, Nikolay Konstantinov, and Natalia Yordanova, reflecting the gallery’s diverse and global outlook.

Artdepot (Innsbruck, Austria)

Artdepot Gallery is known for its dynamic exhibitions showcasing paintings, sculptures, and installations by both renowned and emerging artists. With a vision of creating a “space for art,” Artdepot blends art and culture, providing artists from a wide range of genres with space, resources, and professional support. Beyond being a gallery in the traditional sense, Artdepot also organises concerts, literary evenings, and discussions, emphasising the exploration of contemporary Austrian art. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of new and experimental art, making Artdepot a hub for cultural engagement and innovation.

Karpuchina Gallery (Prague,Czech Republic)

Karpuchina Gallery, a private gallery based in Prague, curates a diverse and forward-thinking exhibition program. Established as an “experimental commercial gallery” in 2016 by Alexandra Karpuchina, the gallery has since grown and rebranded, focusing on building connections between contemporary art and the public. Karpuchina Gallery is committed to bridging Czech art with the global scene, aiming to position its featured artists within an international framework.

Emerging artists section at Sofia Art Fair – artists Lilian Shtereva & Samuil Velev.

The fair also spotlighted emerging talents like Lilian Shtereva and Samuil Velev. Shtereva, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Haskovo, Bulgaria, is currently pursuing her BFA at Hunter College, CUNY, New York. Her work intricately weaves traditional hand-woven textiles with sculptural forms, exploring themes of cultural dissonance, family, and legacy. Using materials and techniques passed down through generations, Shtereva’s art highlights the importance of craft as a sustainable practice in the face of uncertain futures.

Samuil Velev combines traditional and contemporary approaches in his exploration of the human condition. After studying painting and fashion, Velev’s artistic journey took him through various experiments in colour and technique, leading to a distinct style that challenges traditional forms. His work emphasises the painterly touch and the essence of human character. 

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