Stanislav Germanov, self-portrait
BIOGRAPHY
Stanislav Germanov was born in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1960. In 1973 and 1974, he received private instruction in drawing, painting and composition. He studied at the High School of Fine Arts in Sofia from 1974 to 1979 and attended that city's Academy of Fine Arts from 1981 to 1987. He graduated in painting and obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree.
From 1986 to 1990, Stanislav participated in many exhibitions, international competitions and events. He has been a member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists since 1987.
In 1990, Stanislav Germanov moved to Canada. From 1990 to 1992, he painted, exhibited and produced a variety of stained-glass and glass works in St. John’s, Newfounland. He moved to Montreal in 1992 and started exhibiting at Galerie Valentin in 1997.
SUBJECT-MATTER
Through the repetition of a given motif - a mask, a form or even a colour, Stanislav Germanov creates rhythm and flow in his work. Though they include geometric elements, his paintings remain soft and layered, neither hard-edged, nor haphazard. There is a well-defined balance to his work - each element is in its chosen place - yet there remains a freedom of movement that draws you into the painting. Even his signature is carefully incorporated into the work to ensure its equilibrium.
TECHNIQUE
The technique used by Stanislav is elaborate and time-consuming, which limits the number of paintins he produces.
Using mixed media, Germanov's work contains several layers and differing textures. He applies a modeling paste that is then sanded: the surface is thus in constant flux. Colours are added in layers, then etched and engraved to expose colour underneath. The earthy muted colours have an almost otherworldly depth, and while the paintings are calm, they are imbued with a compelling intensity.
PRESS REVIEW
EXHIBITIONS
2013-2000: The Artists' Choice, Group Exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
2013-1998: Small Size Works, Group Exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
2008: Addresses, Group Exhibition, Raiko Aleksiev Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria
1999: Self-Portrait, Group Exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
1998: Stanislav Germanov- Continuity, Solo Show, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
1997: Group Exhibition, Galerie Valentin, Montreal
1991: Images, Group Exhibition, LSPU Hall, St. John, NF
1990: Bulgarian Artworks, City Hall, St. John, NF
1990: Earth and Space, Solo Exhibition, Red Lion Gallery, Portugal Cove, NF
1990: International Festival of Painting, Château Haut-de-Cagnes Museum, Cagnes-sur-mer, France
1989: Smolyan,National Exhibition, Smolyan State Gallery, Smolyan, Bulgaria
1989: 4th International Competition for Young Painters, Gallery Shipka 6, Sofia, Bulgaria
1989: International Contemporary Art Fair, London, England
1988: Open Air, Group Exhibition, Sofia, Bulgaria
1987: October, National Exhibition, Gallery Shipka 6, Sofia, Bulgaria
1987: Pernik, National Exhibition, Pernik State Gallery, Pernik, Bulgaria
1987: Sofia, National Exhibition, Gallery Shipka 6, Sofia, Bulgaria
1987: Land and People, Tolbuhin, Bulgaria
1986: Fine Arts Academy Graduates Exhibition, National Palace of Culture, Sofia, Bulgaria
AWARDS
1989: Honorary Diploma, 4th International Competition for Young Painters, Sofia, Bulgaria
1989: Art Diploma, 13th WFYS, Pyongyang, Korea
MEDIA REVUES
Interview and coverage of the Solo Show Continuity, CJNT Nov. 1998
Magazin'Art, Fall 1998
“Stanislav Germanov: Continuity (review)”, Vie des Arts, Vol. 42, n°173, Winter 1998/1999, p. 75 http://www.erudit.org/culture/va1081917/va1136289/53176ac.pdf
The Suburban, Nov. 11, 1998
Listed in Magazin'Art, The Biennal Guide to Canadian Artists in Galleries 2000/2001
COLLECTIONS
National Gallery, Sofia, Bulgaria
Fine Arts Museum, Sofia, Bulgaria
Fine Arts Museum, Smolyan, Bulgaria
SFI Apparel, Montreal
Dr. Beaupré Vienne Clinique, Ottawa
Jarislowsky Investments, Toronto
Private collectors from Bulgaria, Canada, England and the USA.
