CHRISTO KASABOV
EXHIBITIONS
Christo Kasabov is an American-Bulgarian artist who currently lives and works in Toronto. Kasabov's work is a reflection of his artistic and philosophical pursuits that embody his views of the world. He is an abstract figurative expressionist intensely grounded in exploring relationships between the conscious and unconscious and one's inner versus external 'realities'. His ideas integrate the heritage of ancient civilizations, and more specifically, draw from reliefs, signs, symbols, engravings in earth, stone objects and walls. Through oil and acrylic, collages from wood, metal pieces and household objects, Kasabov enriches his abstract compositions until he's achieved a philosophical reincarnation, like a trip beyond the horizon. He strives toward an exceptional feeling of the material and non material across time and space. Onto acrylic layers, he engraves various signs and symbols, numbers and words, often implementing fragments of structure, the skeleton of a fish, a pyramid, a cross, a circle, an oval. It appears as primal language, a rationality that rises from disorder.
SHELDON ROSE GALLERY
451 Adelaide St. W. [Rear - in laneway west off Morrison St.)
TORONTO M5V 1T1
sheldon@sheldonrosegallery.com 416 707 0584
Hours: By appointment
About the Art
"My Art is meant to transport the viewer to a world of calm, serenity and peace where one can connect with immediate surroundings as well as with the inner self: a spiritual journey which invites us to another state of mindfulness."
"From the depths of the oceans to the beauty of what each season can offer us in
its simplest form, my inspiration is a tribute to nature, to its rhythms, its movements, its different sets of lights and transparencies which amaze, bring joy and remind us of the essentials.”
About the Artist
At 6 years of age, I received my first box of ‘real pastels’. It was the best gift ever!
I remember the subtle green almond color of the box, and inside, discovering with wonder the wide palette with all the variations of color and the rich and smooth texture of the pastels. I made good use of it. Drawing came naturally to me. It took me to a universe where the only limits were my imagination. I needed it.
As a young adult in Paris, while working in the corporate field, I also continued drawing and painting and was very involved in the vibrant Parisian arts and culture scene.
After moving from France to Canada, I worked for public and private organizations in the areas of PR and Project Management.
However, I continued to remain active in the arts/cultural circle, coordinating events like the “Queen West Art Crawl” Festival, which is now a staple in the downtown arts events season. I curated and produced ‘QWAC-Fiti’, a first-time event in Toronto, gathering top Canadian street artists to perform in front of a live audience. I participated in organizing a mobile exhibition for ‘The Greenbelt’ foundation where well-established Canadian artists showcased their arts in different cities of Ontario’s Greenbelt, finishing with an event at the ROM.
My professional activities then took me to central/west Africa for the development of projects in the mining sector. During these years in Africa, I worked very closely with local communities, discovering multiple facets of richness. I was privileged to participate in a number of ceremonies and celebrations among The Fangs, the Bamouns, the Bamilekes; settings where ‘Culture’, 'Art' and 'Tradition' are not separable concepts. Art is present everywhere and is an integral part of life since it expresses an identity, a belief, a story… It was an enlightenment!
In 2017, after a serious accident, it became obvious to me that I was going to be entirely dedicated to my art and creativity. Ideas started coming in waves. I was compelled to explore new and unusual techniques which could best translate my ideas. I have found a unique and recognizable style which has now become a trademark of my work.
Featured Works
