The original interview can be read here.
The art photographer Mariana Parvanova-Brett (born in Sofia, Bulgaria) has lived and worked in Germany for more than 30 years. Her works are characterized by strong, vibrant colors, simplified forms and a reduced depth of field. Fascinated by the beauty that exists in every form, she has been taking photographs for more than 30 years. She reworks her photographs to create a colorful experience close to a painting. Her pictures are inspired by the Impressionists as well as by the works of Modernism and Pop Art.
Mariana Parvanova-Brett's images convey lightness and joie de vivre. Mariana's artistic journey began in her childhood when she discovered her love of art. Initially, her career took her through the world of literature, but she finally found her true passion in photography, which she feels is the fulfilment of her childhood dream of becoming a painter. Now, she paints with her camera. Her aim is to allow people to express their personality through her pictures, to feel inspired every day and to impress their guests. Member of Artists' Guild Berg am Laim, Munich.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
As a child, I wanted to be a painter. For various reasons, that didn't work out. But my love for beauty in all its forms has always been with me. I have been taking photographs for more than 30 years. At some point, I discovered that I can "paint" just as well with my camera and be creative. That brought me full circle to my desire to have children. Today, I am an art photographer. I always try to capture the mood of the moment and the moment itself. I am always drawn to beauty.
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“I want to make the people who look at my pictures happy. I want them to feel the same sense of lightness as when they are on vacation in the south and have no worries. My pictures convey lightness and joie de vivre. With my company MARIANA PARVANOVA - art photography for your rooms, I am pursuing my second passion. In limited editions with a certificate of authenticity, I offer the opportunity to personalise your own rooms. My aim is for people to express their personality through my artwork and impress their guests. I want people to create an oasis of well-being and feel inspired every day anew by looking at the pictures.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“I tend to work intuitively and spontaneously. From time to time, I do targeted shoots on selected themes. Most of the time, I let myself be inspired by life and my surroundings. I am a hunter of the moment. I do the planned photo shoots with my Nikon D80 camera. However, it's too big and too heavy for everyday use. I usually have my Samsung S23 Ultra with me. With this camera, I start the hunt for the moment and the best shot. I'm often asked: I think your pictures are so beautiful. I would love to have a picture with this or that. Then, of course, I also do commissioned photography, but not in the classic sense. My aim is to create a work of art just for this person and according to their wishes, which also corresponds to my ideas. That's something very personal.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I don't follow trends. I let my instincts guide me. It often happens in the creative process that I start image processing with an idea, then I start experimenting and let the results guide me. Then it can happen that I unexpectedly end up with something completely different, but also very exciting, which I love. Colours, light and lines fascinate me. I think you can see that in my paintings, which are inspired by the Impressionists as well as modern and pop art. Some artists I really like and who have influenced me are, for example, late Degas, Joaquin Sorola, Sally Swatland, Karen Tartlon, Jack Vettriano, Nigel Van Wieck, Edward Hopper and Dean West. Of course, Andy Warhol should not be missing from this series because of his bold style.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I rework my photographs so that they come close to a colourful painting. Or I leave them as photographs, but change the colours, sharpness and other settings so that I get a result that makes me personally happy. Black and white photography really inspires me. I love how the colours fade into the background and the monochrome reduces a statement to the essentials. I'm still working on perfecting my technique here. So, I am definitely very attracted to two opposites. Don't be surprised if black and white photography joins my colourful pictures in the future.”
What does your art mean to you?
“When I am in my artistic process, I forget everything around me. There is no time, no sense of hunger and tiredness is wiped away. Being creative simply makes me happy.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“All my pictures are my children and I love all my children. I can't commit myself to a single work of art. It would also be unfair to the other pictures. Each picture has its own message and a certain aura. So, each picture is beautiful in its own way.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I used to take part in photo competitions, e.g. International Photography Award, 8th 35 AWARDS, 2022, this year it was Photography Theme Contest CARS and currently still ongoing at International Photography Award, 10th 35 AWARDS, 2024. I have started to exhibit my works worldwide with the ARTBOXY digital gallery. I have already exhibited artworks in Dubai, Berlin, Palma, Venice, Athens and Zug. ARTBOXY has an interesting concept that allows young photographers to exhibit digitally with other artists every month in a different gallery in a different city around the world. I see this as an opportunity to present myself to a wide audience and to be discovered. My first independent exhibition, which I organised myself, is currently running in Munich at BAUM20. Here I am presenting 11 works in a nice little room. In order to achieve brighter colours and depth, I decided to have these pictures produced behind acrylic glass. The vernissage brought me into dialogue with many interesting people. Ideas for joint projects have emerged. They will slowly come to life in the autumn. My recent exhibitions include:
April 2024 - Nicoleta Gallery, Berlin, Germany and Thomson Gallery, Zug, Switzerland and Casa del Arte, Palma, Spain.
May 2024 - Andakulova Gallery, Dubai, UAE and Cipriarte Venezia Gallery, Venezia, Italy and Andie Art Gallery, Athens, Greece.
June 2024 - BAUM 20, Modern Art, photo art exhibition, Munich, Germany and Cipriarte Venezia Gallery, in connection with the Venice Biennale, Venezia, Italy.
July 2024 - Andakulova Gallery, Dubai, UAE.
Upcoming: 21-25. August 2024, SWISSARTEXPO.”
Instagram: @marianaparvanovaart
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