Rado Kirov: Artist Feature

17 October - 17 November 2024

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Overview

Pontone Gallery is proud to present a captivating exhibition of six works by Bulgarian artist Rado Kirov. Through years of experimentation and technical perfecting, Kirov has developed a unique process he calls 'the mercury effect.' By combining manual techniques with precise temperature control, he creates a shimmering, undulating surface that resembles liquid metal.

Kirov's sculptures are more than just objects; they are living, breathing entities that seem to defy the laws of physics. With their fluid forms, reflective surfaces, and intricate details, these pieces invite viewers to contemplate the boundaries between the natural and the artificial, the organic and the mechanical.

From geometric shapes that evoke the precision of engineering to organic forms that suggest the fluidity of nature, Kirov's sculptures offer a diverse exploration of sinuous contour and sensuous pattern. Each piece is a testament to the artist's refined ability to imbue inanimate objects with a profound sense of life and movement using their manufactured materiality.

Their mirrored surfaces capture and transmit fragments of their surroundings, creating a dynamic and ever-changing image. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, these sculptures integrate seamlessly into their environment, while also showcasing the ingenuity of their creation. Like quicksilver, they shimmer and shift, reflecting the world around them while asserting their own unique identity.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Hailing from Bulgaria and trained as a coppersmith, Rado Kirov established himself as a skilled craftsman of precious metals. His time in South Africa during the 1990s was marked by notable achievements, including the creation of a silver chalice presented to Pope John Paul II by President Nelson Mandela. Kirov has since perfected a unique technique that creates mesmerising, fluid-like surfaces and free-standing metallic structures. His highly polished pieces, ranging from shimmering geometric forms to organic molten shapes, reflect the artist's mastery of metalworking and his ability to transform base materials into captivating, mercurial works of art.