Ivan Minekov

Who is Ivan Minekov?

Born on January 28, 1947 in Pazardzhik, Ivan Minekov is one of the most appreciated contemporary Bulgarian sculptors.

A graduate of the Academy for Fine Arts "Nicolae Grigorescu" in Bucharest, Romania, under Professor Paul Vasilescu's beneficial guidance, Ivan Minekov's striking talent quickly attracted the attention of the Bulgarian artistic society.

In the early years of his career, Ivan Minekov participated in all common exhibitions in Bulgaria, as well as in representative exhibitions in Europe. In the period between 1975 and 1990 he completed a number of large monumental works in many Bulgarian cities, among which his native Pazardzhik, Burgas, Rousse, Lovech, Dorkovo and others.

In the same period he was included in the Encyclopedia of Bulgarian Fine Arts. The Bulgarian National Television produced a short film about his monumental work Levski and a documentary about the artist, which is now included in BNT's golden fund. Also in 1988, Minekov's work was chosen as a symbol of the second allied space journey of Bulgaria and Russia.

The portrait of Professor Denton Cooley, founder of the Texas Heart Institute, owned and deeply appreciated by Mr. Cooley, as well as Georges Ecly's interest towards Minekov's art, opened the doors to a rewarding international artistic career. In 1993-94 the Harada collection in Tokyo commissioned Ivan Minekov to create the portrait of Peter Michailov and in the year of 2000, Minekov's inclination towards mythology and history brought to life Dimitar Peshev's portrait, honoring the great politician for saving the Bulgarian Jews in the World War II. The bust has proudly found its place in the Palace of Europe in Strasbourg.