Milko Pavlov

Lives and works in Germany and Bulgaria.

Milko Pavlov, Studio Berlin, 2012 by Rolf Goellnitz

It is hardly appropriate to speak about abstract art in an abstract manner, since each narrative built from parallel abstractions risks transforming into a snowball effect. Milko Pavlov’s large size and at first glance abstract works have no frames – both literally and figuratively. Paradoxically and despite their ‘optical unconscious’ they contain particular, purposefully structured messages. Or insights – perhaps even prophecies!?
Produced with graphite on paper using the technique of ‘frottage’ (from French) means they imitate a definite kind of surface material, executed by applying exerting pressure and friction. The result offers a parallel reality as well as the idea of multiple variations depending on the variety of directions.
This raises the question, do these drawings only repeat or do they create. Do they imitate or reproduce. If life does not evolve from a predestined scheme, but is elementarily based on the immanent ability of its biological forms to change and evolve, the organisms or cells only reproduce better genes on order to keep existing. Interpreted on the basis of this principle Milko Pavlov’s wish to endlessly reproduce similar elements, in a similar matter seems to be a life-asserting principle as well, which establishes an accomplished sense of meaning. His belief that it is his right to choose from the ‘matrix’ and his kind of automated approach nurtured by a would be subconscious method create a mimicry through which the artist finds a way to establish himself via the very process. The result of this process are abstract and yet striking visual structures, which reflect both, his creative urge and sense of effectiveness and could be used as a visual metaphor to explain the process of life itself and
the proof of its continuation (linear or cyclic).

Rolf Goellnitz based on a Text by Nadia Timova: From the Passion of Self-Reproducing Reality (Catalog)

Some Work Examples:

© Milko Pavlov – Marathon 2010 – Graphite on Paper, 138,5x104cm

© Milko Pavlov – Marathon 2010-2098, Graphite on Paper, 140,5x105cm

© Milko Pavlov – Marathon 2010-2079, Graphite on Paper, 134×102,5cm

© Milko Pavlov – Marathon 2010-2078, Graphite on Paper, 136,5x103cm

© Milko Pavlov – Marathon 2010-2079-11, Graphite on paper, 123x86cm

© Milko Pavlov – Marathon 2010-2079-4, Graphite on Paper, 133,5x96cm

© Milko Pavlov – Marathon 2010-2079-7, Graphite on paper, 132,5x87cm

© Milko Pavlov – Marathon 2010-2072-12, Graphite on Paper, 124,5x95cm

Solo Exhibitions (selection)
2012 Milko Pavlov – Tomorrow belongs to me. OMC Gallery , Huntington Beach
2007 Sofia, National Gallery: 120 Years Milko Pavlov
2007 Belgrade, Centre For Graphic Art & Visual Research: Bilocation 2029
2007 Bremen, Städtische Galerie: Tomorrow belongs to you. Milko Pavlov Bilder 2004-2066, Malerei
2005 Sofia, City Art Gallery: milkopavlovthelargesizedrawings (2012-2030) (catalogue)
2004 Bremen, Galerie Rolf Ohse: Salon des fleurs, Malerei (catalogue)
2003 Düsseldorf, OMC Galerie für Gegenwartskunst: Anamnesia, Graphit Frottage (catalogue)
2001 Sofia, Irida Galerie: Tibet