Interview for New York Art Fair

Hristina Milanova

1. What or who is currently inspiring or influencing you the most in your practice?

My artistic practice draws on a deep exploration of the subtleties of nature, a characteristic reminiscent of the work of artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, who emphasized the spiritual connection between art and the natural environment.

I use simple, binary mathematics, understood through a spiritual exploration of sacred geometry. These have been the cornerstone of my artistic career for many years. Extracting information from higher dimensions—an approach that draws on the theories of perception and knowledge developed by artists such as Anish Kapoor.
The most exciting aspect of my artistic work lies at the intersection of science, art, nature, and imagination. “Investigation in 2023: A Journey Through the Theoria M” led me to recall
the work of artists such as Olafur Eliasson, who uses scientific principles to explore human perception and the natural environment, serves as an essential reference in this regard.

I allow myself to develop a unique vision of the world, transforming this perception into my work.
As a pioneer in the technique of sculptural work—even though it presents a physical challenge—it gives me the freedom to let my creative process flow, much like the exploration of materiality. I am aware that, once a work is created, the response from the environment can be slow; society tends to resist change, a phenomenon described by the philosopher and art critic Howard Becker in his exploration of the work and its reception. However, by focusing my energy on artistic production, the work begins to operate on its own, bringing order to the apparent chaos that surrounds it.

This creative process is all-consuming; as it unfolds, it feels as though nothing else exists in my life. The feeling that accompanies this experience permeates my vision, allowing me to embrace both the matter and the energy that emanate from nature and the cosmos, resonating with sound artist Christine Sun Kim’s ideas about the dialogue between perception and reality. I have undergone profound transformations in my life that defy any verbal explanation, leading me into a more spiritual realm and linking my artistic practice to mystical experiences.
From the vastness of space to the mysteries of DNA and human memory, each of my works serves as a window inviting us to contemplate a universe of infinite possibilities. These elements, together with the forces of nature and the cosmos, intertwine to create a constant dialogue within my practice.
In short, while science and the mystical may seem opposed in their approach and methodology, there are areas of overlap and dialogue between the two that enrich our understanding of the human experience and the nature of reality.

2. What aspect of your work resonates with our culture right now?

Furthermore, my work reflects an absolute commitment to cultural diversity,
grounded in three fundamental pillars: Love, Truth, and Wisdom. Although I am Bulgarian and have lived in Spain for more than 25 years as an international artist, my work presents itself as a fusion of insights drawn from different cultures and initiatives, similar to the way the artist fuses art and social activism in her projects.
Living as an artist is an ongoing practice; it makes no sense to call oneself an artist if one does not embrace and live this reality.
I have always wanted to exhibit my work in America, as I consider it a warm “American dream” for me. I believe it is the ideal place where my potential could truly flourish, given that creativity and innovation converge there, celebrating the beauty and complexity of the cosmos. My intention is to present creation in its spiritual purity, connecting the viewer with the essence of the universe—a goal also pursued by conceptual artists such as James Turrell in his quest for spiritual experience through light and space.

3. What parts of your practice bring you the most joy and freedom?

Joy and celebration are central to my life and my artistic practice. Mindfulness and the ability to find inner peace allow me to appreciate simple moments and find satisfaction in them. A smile, as positive psychologist Martin Seligman points out, is a powerful tool that can transform our days and those of the people around us.

Every time I finish a piece, I turn to dance. Celebrating both small and big victories is essential to me. Doing so through dance not only becomes a way to enjoy the moment, but also a way to release emotions and connect with my body, resonating with the importance that artists like Gabrielle Roth have placed on movement and its ability to communicate. This ritual provides me with an emotional release that enriches my creative process, turning every artistic conclusion into a celebration full of life and energy.

April 28, 2025 Hristina Milanova