Boris Denev and his “greek connection” during the period from 1934 to 1943

Abstract

Boris Denev was a passionate traveler, a curious and committed explorer of Bulgaria and the countries where he stayed for longer (Germany, Greece) or shorter periods of time (Italy, France, Turkey, today's North Macedonia). This text will trace his attitude as an artist, a man of letters, and a public figure to the history, nature, cultural heritage and the people of Bulgaria's southern neighbor, Greece. To him, this was a civilization that embraced ancient cultures and a source of artistic inspiration, yet it also was the land of a people with whom Bulgaria had complicated relations that were finally beginning to warm up in the 1930's, after a prolonged period of animosity and hostility, caused by historical events which had been tragic for both countries. Here I will discuss several reciprocal visits by Greek and Bulgarian artists and intellectuals as a part of the institutional efforts to establish artistic societies, engaged in cultural activities, which also resulted in some personal friendships, both artistic and purely human, where Boris Denev was an active participant/protagonist.

References:

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Bozhinov, A. Cartoon portrait of Boris Denev. Zora, 6.06.1937.

Denev, B. Risunka-proekt za programa. Central State Archives – Sofia, f. 413К, op. 1, а.е. 4, l. 74.

Molba za prevod na pari za pokupka na skulptura ot Bela Raftopulu. 18.06.1936. Central State Archives– Sofia, f. 413K, op. 1, a. e. 4, l. 3.

Pismo ot A. Sohos do Boris Denev. 5.10.1936. Support for the Art in Bulgaria Foundation.

Pismo ot Boris Denev do Pangalos. 13.01.1939. Support for the Art in Bulgaria Foundation.

Pismo ot trima gartsi do Boris Denev. 26.06.1936 Support for the Art in Bulgaria Foundation.

Pokana za izlozhba na “Savremenno gratsko izkustvo. Central State Archives – Sofia, f. 413K, op. 1, a. e. 4, l. 4-5.

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Tekst za otkrivane na izlozhba. Central State Archives – Sofia, f. 413K, op. 1, a. e. 4, l. 30.

La parole bulgare (n.a.). 6.03.1943. Support for the Art in Bulgaria Foundation.

Programme. Central State Archives – Sofia, f. 413К, op. 1, a.е. 4, l. 70-71.

Programme. Séjour de la ligue Gréco-Bulgare d’Athènes en Bulgarie. 28.V. – 4.VI.1937. Support for the Art in Bulgaria Foundation.