More Than Just Real Estate - Jenny Ivanova

Jenny Ivanova is a contemporary Bulgarian artist. Her recent creative explorations focus on the portrait and its role in the 21st century. Striving to push the boundaries of the portrait and her own, as well as to establish a true connection with the viewer, she creates a series of personas free from any external influence, allowing them to fully explore their identity.

How long have you been involved in art, and how did you come to it?

The most comprehensive answer would be my entire life. I won my first award in a children's drawing contest when I was 4 years old, and since then, I have been studying and creating art all my life.

How does the space in which you live and work inspire your creativity? Why is your home studio more than just real estate?

An artist's world revolves mainly around their work, with no days off. I find it a great advantage to be able to create at any time of the day without leaving the comfort of my home.

What are your favorite elements of your studio decor?

Everything related to my work - the easel, the palette, the paints, the canvases, the turpentine...

Could you tell us which artists or art movements have influenced you the most? How have these influences helped shape your unique style? How did you develop and refine your distinct artistic style over time?

Reaching a recognizable, personal style is actually the hardest thing for an artist. I have been searching for and developing mine for years. I believe everything I have learned and seen has helped me get to where I am today. The most distinctive influence on my work has probably come from Modigliani, Gauguin, Tamara de Lempicka, Picasso, and the iconography I studied for many years.

In which district of Sofia do you live, and what do you like about it?

I live in the old part of the Geo Milev neighborhood, a 15-minute walk from Sofia University along my favorite street, Tsar Ivan Asen II.

What aspects of Sofia's urban design and infrastructure would you like to see improved or changed? How do you think these changes would benefit the residents and the city as a whole?

I think there should be recycling bins everywhere, even in small parks and gardens.

We know you are preparing for a new exhibition; could you tell us more about it? What should we expect, and how do you prepare?

The exhibition will open on December 3rd under the title "Anthropology of the Figure." The title reveals that the focus will once again be on the individual. The exhibition will feature 12 new paintings that embody my idea of external and internal beauty. The paintings are made exclusively for the space at "The Residence Exclusive Club." The curator of the exhibition will be Karolina Panainte.

Name three of your favorite places in Sofia.

All theaters and galleries, Altruist, and Zh jazz room.

Project by @firstestatesagency

Featuring @jennyiivanova

Photography&edits @tattio @tatianalebed.ph

Creative direction @annagreenwich