Sculptural Park Ilindenci – Gallery under the Sky
I would like us to start our tour of Sandanski region with something unique –
the Sculptural Park Ilindenci. The Art Center Ilindenci is situated in the lower
reaches of Pirin Mountain, nearly 155 km south of the capital city Sofia, and
around 12 km from Sandanski, above one of the biggest villages in the region of
Strumiani – Ilindenci.
The Village of Ilindenci
An inspired idea, born at the beginning of the 1990s, found its realization in
1998 with the first symposium in the sculptural park Ilindenci. More than 60
sculptural compositions, created by 70 sculptors from 12 countries like
Mexico, Romania, Slovakia, Austria, France, the Netherlands, India, Japan,
USA, Israel, Canada, and Bulgaria prove that art can change and develop t
he living area in great harmony with the nature. Large marble quarries nearby
supplied the material for the sculptures.
Art Work from the Sculptural Park of Ilindenci
Among the main purposes of the Sculptural Park Ilindenci is to create new possibilities for development of park sculptural art in unknown forms, functioning in great favor of surrounding nature.
“The meaning of the sculptural messages, the silent stone thoughts in the park, is to reach the consciousness
of the people. Thus they can somehow help to make the world we live in a more peaceful, better and perfect
place” says Mr. Ivan Roussev, master - sculptor and founder of Sculptural Park Ilindenci.
Art Work from the Sculptural Park of Ilindenci
“The meaning of the sculptural messages, the silent stone thoughts in the park, is to reach the consciousness
of the people. Thus they can somehow help to make the world we live in a more peaceful, better and perfect
place” says Mr. Ivan Roussev, master - sculptor and founder of Sculptural Park Ilindenci.
Small Wine Cellar Sculptural Park of Ilindenci
I had the good chance personally to meet Mr. Roussev during the latest sculpture symposium 21 June – 14 July
2007, in Ilindenci. One lovely afternoon we were walking together through the park; I was feeling lucky to ‘absorb’
the information for the art works around form the person entirely devoted to the project. The sun was hanging
over the beautiful and humble Malashevska Mountain, giving us generous light to feel the perfect symbiosis
between art and nature. “Here maybe because of the unique nature, or, because we are in a ‘live’ village,
the effect of our creative activity through the years has been unique and it has direct impact on people,”
shared Ivan Roussev.
Art Work from the Sculptural Park of Ilindenci
“It is an incredible experience for me to be here – the people, the nature, the way we communicate. I think that
artists from all over the world are the same people – we make friends easily.” Dell Geist, USA
Art Work from the Sculptural Park of Ilindenci
“After years, I will first remember the beauty of the place. This magnificent nature. It is very impressive and
gives inspiration for work. During the symposium I communicated with many colleagues, students, and people
from the village. I liked the spirit of friendship which was among us all the time while we worked together…
When I go back home, I will remember the friendly people who always say to you ‘Good morning!’
or ‘Good day!’ when they meet you.” Hirouki Okumura, Japan
The Lotus by Masaji Asaga Japan
“Ilindenci is a very beautiful place. Look at the scenery, these rocks and the people, they are so kind. Everything here is very interesting, wonderful … Now we are all working here on a big project. I have chosen to make my own work trying not to stray from the common idea of the symposium, from its stylistics. At the same time I would like my work to be recognized as one made by Japanese. I will call it ‘A Lotus’ and there will be a text both in Bulgarian and Japanese.”
Masaji Asaga, Japan
