Some of
our current Orthodox icons are by artist Ivan Zhabov (pronounced
“djah”bov), who was born in Dvarditza, central Bulgaria, in 1961.
Although he graduated from the Technical University in Moscow with an
engineering degree, he earlier studied music. He continues to sing
professionally (opera and Bulgarian National Folk music) but he has
found his true passion in painting.
Zhabov
uses tempera or oils on wood. He enjoys sculpture and carving; in fact,
many of his paintings start out as a relief carved out of wood, or as a
whimsically carved frame. His icons are painted using the traditional
techniques and motifs of the church. They are all reproductions of
Bulgarian or Russian iconography, but bear a unique, delicate touch
that has become his signature style.
Zhabov
has given demonstrations on Orthodox painting techniques in Berlin, and
has exhibited his personal work in all the major cities in Bulgaria, as
well as in Bonn, Germany. His art is in private collections in
Bulgaria, Russia, Japan, Switzerland, Austria, and the U.S.
In addition to icons, Zhabov creates original art in similar formats to his icons. Go to Original Zhabov Paintings to see some of his work.
