Portraits of the spirit, Georgi Bozhilov–Slona (1935-2001)

Exhibition Opening ‘Portraits of the Spirit’ by Georgi Bozhilov -Slona (1935-2001), the exhibition is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Biographical note
1935, 13 June
Born in Plovdiv in the family of Maria and Yordan Bozhilov.
1953
Completes “Dimitar Blagoev” High School in Plovdiv.
Attends the drawing circle of artist Mihail Lyutov.

1953-1959
Continues his studies at the Higher Institute of Art “Nikolay Pavlovich” (today’s National Academy of Art) in the Decorative and Monumental Art programme in the class of Prof. Georgi Bogdanov.

1959
Participates in the First International Biennial of Young Artists in Paris.

From 1960 on
Participates in regional art exhibitions and General Art Exhibitions (GAE). Takes part in all major national exhibitions organized abroad.

1961
Appointed member of the Union of Bulgarian Artists (UBA).

1965
Participates in the Youth Biennial in Paris.

1967
First solo exhibition organized by Atanas Krastev in the yard of his house in Plovdiv.

1979
Awarded the title of Honoured Artist.

1985
Decorated with the Order of the People’s Republic of Bulgaria 2nd Class.

1986
For merit in art and culture in Bulgaria, awarded with the Order of Cyril and Methodious 1st Class.

2001
Awarded the Zahari Zograph Prize for Painting of the Union of Bulgarian Artists.

2001, 30 May
The artist dies as a result of a serious road accident.

Following his death, Georgi Bozhilov-Slona Memorial House was opened in Plovdiv and Georgi Bozhilov-Slona Foundation was set up. Today, the better part of Georgi Bozhilov’s heritage is to be found in the National Gallery of Art, Sofia Art Gallery and the art galleries of Sliven, Targovishte, Stara Zagora, Kazanlak, Sozopol, Bourgas, Pleven, etc. His works are owned by collectors in Bulgaria and abroad.