Interview for New York Art fair

Hristina MIlanova

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

My artistic practice is nurtured by a deep exploration of the subtle in 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 and binary mathematics, understood through a spiritual work of sacred geometry. They have been the axis of my artistic trajectory for many years. The extraction of information from elevated fields, an approach that harkens back to the theories of perception and knowledge of artists such as Anish Kapoor.
The most exciting aspect of my artistic work lies at the intersection between 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 employs scientific principles to explore human perception and the natural environment, serves as an essential reference in this regard.

I allow myself to develop a singular vision of the world, transforming this perception into my work.
Being a pioneer in the technique of sculptural work, although it represents a challenge from a physical point of view, it gives me the freedom to flow in my creative process, similar to the exploration of materiality. I am aware that once the work is created, the response of the environment can be slow; society tends to resist change, a phenomenon described by philosopher and art critic Howard Becker in his exploration of the work and its reception. However, by focusing energy on artistic production, the work begins to operate on its own, ordering the apparent chaos that surrounds it.

This process of creation is absorbing; during its unfolding, nothing else seems to exist in my existence. The feeling that accompanies this experience penetrates my vision, allowing me to embrace both matter and energy emanating from nature and the cosmos, resonating with sound artist Christine Sun Kim’s ideas on the dialogue between perception and reality. I have undergone major transformations in my life that defy verbal explanation, referring me to a more spiritual terrain, linking my artistic production with mystical experiences.
From the vastness of space to the mysteries of DNA and human memory, each of my works is presented as a window that invites you to contemplate a universe of infinite possibilities. These elements, along with the forces of nature and the cosmos, intertwine to create a constant dialogue in my practice.
In summary, 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 the understanding of human experience and the nature of reality.

2. What aspect of your work resonates with our culture at this time?

On the other hand my work reflects an absolute commitment to cultural diversity,
based on three fundamental pillars: Love, Truth and Wisdom. Although I am Bulgarian and have been living in Spain for more than 25 years as an international artist, my work is presented as a fusion of knowledge drawn from different cultural initiatives, similar to the way the artist fuses art and social activation in her projects.
Living as an artist is a continuous practice; it makes no sense to proclaim yourself an artist if you do not embrace and live this reality.
I have always wished to show my work in America, considering that it would be a warm American dream for me. I believe it is the ideal place where my possibilities could really flourish, since creativity and innovation meet there, celebrating the beauty and complexity of the cosmos. My intention is to show 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. Awareness and the ability to be at inner peace allow me to appreciate the simple moments and find satisfaction in them. Smiling, as the positive psychologist Martin Seligman points out, is a powerful tool that can transform our days and those around us.

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

28.04.2025 Hristina Milanova