‘Bulgarian Folk Motifs’ exhibition opens

DOHA: Intercultural dialogue is vital in promoting better mutual understanding among peoples, said Bulgarian Ambassador to Qatar Metin Kazak at the opening of “Bulgarian Folk Motifs” exhibition at City Centre Rotana Doha.

Speaking to The Peninsula, Kazak said the show, which was the third exhibition the embassy had presented, was organised in the framework of Bulgaria’s ongoing local presidency of the European Union (EU) and the celebration of European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.

“This is a painting exhibition of Bulgarian traditional folk motifs, and by this we want to bring some symbols of rich Bulgarian folklore and cultural traditions to the Qatari audience and to pass the message that if we exchange our cultural traditions we can have intercultural dialogue and have better understanding of each other,” said the envoy.

Over a dozen paintings by Bulgarian contemporary artist Petya Ilieva are on display at the show which runs until Sunday. They depict colourful shapes and patterns prevalent in national costumes, carpets and household textiles created by women in different regions in Bulgaria.

“I’m presenting motifs from our national costumes and carpets. We are proud of our folk elements and motifs that are a major part of our cultural heritage as they symbolise our rich history and represent the power of our people through centuries,” Ilieva said while speaking to The Peninsula.

With Master’s in art and aesthetics and Doctorate in arts and cultural diplomacy, Ilieva has had solo exhibition in many countries such as Austria, UK, France, Belgium, USA, India, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Antarctica, but this is only her second time in the Arab region, whose cultural motifs she says share striking resemblance with Bulgarian folk elements.

“This is my first time in Qatar and my second exhibition in the Arab world, the first of which was in Oman, but I travel a lot all over the world to show Bulgarian folk elements because I’m truly proud of these,” she said.

“Arab cultural motifs and elements are similar to Bulgarian in terms of colours and shapes. There are historical reasons that explain this; for nearly 500 years we were once part of the Ottoman Empire and people moved from place to place which facilitated exchange of ideas and culture,” explained Ilieva, adding it is her passion to present art in the context of history and culture.

The European Year of Cultural Heritage comprises a series of initiatives and events across the world to enable people to become closer to and more involved with their cultural heritage.

In connection with the year-long celebration, Kazak said the embassy is also organizing a panel discussion with all EU member states with embassies in Qatar on May 9 at the newly opened Qatar National Library.

The event, which will be open to the public, will focus on preserving cultural heritage.