Name: The Dance of Zlatio Zlatev, Original Silver Gelatin Photograph, Bulgaria 1989
Brand: Jacko Vassilev
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

The Dance of Zlatio Zlatev, Original Silver Gelatin Photograph, Bulgaria 1989

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About the Item

Artist: Jacko Vassilev, Bulgarian ( born 1951 - ) Title: The Dance of Zlatio Zlatev, Ex Pilot Medium: Original Silver Gelatin Print Edition: 19/50 Year: 1989 Story behind the photograph: The photograph seen above was taken of Zlatio Zlatev who had served for Bulgaria’s King Boris III as his top pilot. When the Communists took the power in Bulgaria, he was offered to work for the new government as a bomber pilot. He refused to work for the new regime and was stamped as an "anticommunist element". Due to his refusal Zlatio was sent to forced labor political camp where he spent nearly 15 years and fell victim to the totalitarian side of communism. During that time in Bulgaria there were over 50 political camps where they claimed, "The Brain of the Nation was destroyed"! When Bulgaria become free state from Communism in 1989 a National Celebration was held in the political camp honoring all the people who lost their lives there and granted the survivors as National Heroes! On that day Jacko Vassilev was privileged to witness the celebration of Zlatio and this photograph was HIS DANCE OF FREEDOM!!!! After the dance, Jacko walked to him and wanted to share his deep emotions of capturing this special moments and told him: "Zlatio, your hands are likes a wings in the air." And he answered: "My wings..... They broke them, but not the Spirit"! Artist Bio: I was born in communist Bulgaria. As a boy, I had dreamed of freedom and a simple life. In my late twenties I put my dreams to the test and attempted to escape the Bulgarian regime. I tried to pass the barbed wire fences guarded by border patrols, but I was caught, beaten and tossed into a slave labor camp. Instead of building up hate, the harsh conditions in the camp built my strength. I learned how to survive. My body suffered, but my mind became clearer. My photography was my artistic expression of the world around me however the communist dictatorship considered it anti-communist propaganda and I had to keep my treasures hidden underground. After the communist regime fell, I traveled around Europe and accomplished my dream of becoming a published photographer in Paris and later moved to the USA. The willingness to confront even the most difficult obstacle in life strongly informs my work to this day. There is a thread of optimism that connects the people I’ve portrayed, even when they are shown in the most vulnerable moments. There is no difference between myself and them, they are photographers of life, and I am the countryman that records memories. Through my photographs, I wish to uncover humanity and joy as indispensable rights of life. Why would a birthplace dictate the freedom and the respect one gets. Photography is a medium I use to breach the borders of regimes, big walls or corrupt politicians. As long as I can walk and see, I will photograph mankind. Residing in the USA, makes me a citizen of the world, where I can enjoy my dream of living in the biggest landscape of the human soul and share the humanity that connects us all.

Creator:
Jacko Vassilev (1951, Bulgarian)
Creation Year:
1989
Dimensions:
Height: 17.13 in (43.52 cm)Width: 21.13 in (53.68 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
More Editions & Sizes:
Unframed 11" x 16", Edition 19/50Price: $4,500
Medium:
Silver Gelatin
Movement & Style:
Expressionist
Period:
1980-1989
Condition:
Gallery Location:
Saint Augustine, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1363213894212