HOLYPOP
The Holypop series is a long term and ongoing exploration of the intersection between traditional religious iconography and contemporary social dynamics. I delve into the transformative potential of sacred symbols by reinterpreting them within the context of modern structures, media, and cultural phenomena.
"Holypop" is an intricate tapestry of visual storytelling, weaving together elements of sacred iconography, pop culture, and personal mythology.
This work invites viewers into a vibrant, multi-layered world where traditional symbols coexist with contemporary figures, animals, and abstract forms, challenging our perceptions of sanctity and modernity.
© Photo: Dimitar Vladimirov
© Photo: Dimitar Vladimirov
Holypop
ballpoint pen on paper
70cm x 100cm
2024
Sofia
Holypop
beads and threads on fabric
85cm x 140cm
2023
Leshten
This work marks the beginning of a series of textile panels, which are deeply rooted in personal experiences and interactions with the local population of the Rhodope village of Ribnovo. It began as a spontaneous action transformed into a significant cultural and artistic journey.
During my encounters with the women of Ribnovo, I collected stories through intimate conversations that created mutual connections and led to a profound understanding of their lived experiences. Traveling serves not only as a method of collecting knowledge but also as a form of self-reflection, adding depth to the work. Every element of Holypop is the result of careful archiving of these personal testimonies : ranging from reflections on love, life, and beliefs.
The materials, including synthetic fabrics and artificial beads, are imbued with cultural significance, transforming from essential components of Ribnovo women’s clothing into sacred symbols and visual artifacts. This fusion of materials and meanings creates a vivid portrayal of female grief, longing, and fear of loneliness, weaving together memories and utopian ideals to challenge both contemporary and traditional notions of identity and womanhood.
Through this, Holypop emerges as a powerful reflection on the intersection of personal narrative and collective experience.
The textile panel Holypop is made during the “Little bird” Artist Residency in Leshten.
( small village located in the Rhodope mountains in Bulgaria)