Artist bio

Ivan Kanchev was born on 17.09.1973 in the town of. He graduated from the University of Ruse. Since 2022 lecturer at the National Academy of Arts, Department of Sculpture. 2011 - Received educational and scientific degree "Doctor" in Art History and Fine Arts, Department of Sculpture, National Academy of Arts. (Dissertation: "Ceramic sculpture in Bulgaria from 1896 - the late 1950s"). 2010-11 - Honored lecturer in sculpture at the Department of Ceramics, National Academy of Arts. 2006 - Graduated from Rousse University "Angel Kanchev", specialty "Psychology", Bachelor's degree (Diploma thesis: "Orthodox psychoanalysis and the Bible"). 2000 - Graduated from the National Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia. 2000 - 2000, Sofia, specialty "Ceramics", Master's degree. 1992 - Graduated from SSHU for Applied Arts, Sofia, Bulgaria. 1992 - 1992 in Troyan, speciality. 1992 - "Ceramics".

Title

Man, where are you? - Plate

Medium/Genre

Sculpture

Artist Statement

"Man, where are you? - Plate" concerns current problems of the present existence . Everything is fragmented in ecological, social and political terms. The earth is "notched". The man is small and naked, confused and defenseless, represented with outstretched arms and legs apart - in poetic and artistic crucifix. It is an object-subject, center and periphery, meaning and time.
The man runs, looking to find his foundations. His human nature is shaken. Embroiled in the mosaic of continuing problems, frantically seeks happiness in the maze of life . But is he able to come to his senses and find himself? Will he find happiness in this direction of search ?
The depicted scenes with clay and fire in "Man, where are you?" are nocturnal , as in a dream, as picture visions. Thematically they are derived from the heritage of universal history and culture. The monumental vessel shape is symbolic. The circle is like an echo of the ideal, like an image of Mother Earth, like the Sun. The rectangle is reminiscent of the human existence, the boundaries of time, space and corporeality .

How it fits into contest

The work "Man, where are you? - Plate" is inspired by the question God asks in Eden after Adam and Eve's fall from grace. "Where art thou? (Genesis 3:9) is the first call, uttered with love, anxiety, and deep concern by Christ to humanity, lost in the labyrinth of sin. Piercing through the centuries, this question continues to echo today with its timeless relevance and ambiguity...

How to Purchase this Artwork

Buy the work from me
Price: €3,500

Other Goods & Services Available from this Artist

https://www.facebook.com/ivav.kanchev

Submit Your Artwork Today!

The 2026 Engage Art Contest will be accepting new artwork in January 2026!