• Biography
    Nedko Solakov

    Nedko Solakov (Cherven Bryag, Bulgaria, 1957)

    Born in Cherven Bryag, Bulgaria, in 1957, Nedko Solakov studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia. There, he specialised in mural paintings in 1981 under Mito Ganovski and furthered his education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. From 1990 onward, he was awarded with several scholarships in Zurich, Vienna, Berlin, Stockholm, and Kitakyūshū.

    In 1981, Solakov held his first solo exhibition at the Rakovski 108 Gallery in Sofia.

    He continues to be a member of the foundation of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Sofia.

    Solakov blends his traditional training with conceptual practices to create emotionally impactful works. His paintings, performances, and installations use humour and absurdity to critically question artistic institutions, practices, societal norms and expectations.

    The artist regularly participates in international group exhibitions, including the Istanbul Biennial (1992, 1995, 2005) and the Venice Biennale (1993, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007), where he received an honourable mention from the jury in 2007.

    His works are part of public and private collections such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, Museum für Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt, Tate Modern in London, The Museum of Modern Art in New York, and Kunsthaus Zurich in Zurich.

    Today, Solakov lives and works in Sofia.

  • Works