"In a digital world where art is increasingly ephemeral, Martin Dzhachkov adopts a more timeless approach. Hailing from a small town and venturing to Paris in pursuit of his artistic ambitions, Martin embodies the quintessential journey of a young creative. And yes, he even sports the quintessential mustache!
Having transformed his dreams into reality, Martin now thrives as a successful painter, photographer, and book publicist.
In an interview with The Pink Pickle, Martin delves into topics ranging from Bulgaria and existentialism to his personal journey—and yes, even feet!"
PICKLE: Did you always want to be an artist, growing up? MARTIN: Yes, art feels like more than a desire; it is intertwined with the way a child perceives the world. In the world I grew up in, art was not considered a viable profession, but it was a path that I felt deeply connected to my soul. Initially, I was drawn to music and fashion, and later to theater and fine art.
PICKLE: You moved to Paris, where you still live today. How did this decision happen?
MARTIN: The decision to go to Paris was entirely mine, differing from that of my parents and my circle of friends. Initially, I traveled to Montpellier, in southern France, where I was accepted into a plastic arts class. This marked my leap of freedom from a small Bulgarian town to an entirely new life in France. It was an incredibly brave decision, fraught with difficulties, as I had to suppress all my emotions, fears, and hesitations to pursue the path I believed was right. Looking back now, I realize that I faced many challenges in integrating and surviving in a new society, all while undergoing personal and artistic growth. I wouldn't advise any 17- or 18-year-old boy to delve so deeply unless he is truly prepared to do whatever it takes to realize his ambitions and dreams.
PICKLE: How much did Bulgaria, as a country, and a culture, influence your work? MARTIN: Bulgaria as a country is still grappling with an extremely challenging situation, where society is in the process of reforming and learning civic responsibility and activism, while the political class is gradually shifting from being a malignancy that oppresses the nation to becoming an instrument that will serve the Bulgarians.
However, Bulgarian culture and my own Bulgarian consciousness are fundamental qualities shaping my character and soul. An artist without character cannot construct an authentic artistic world, and I believe that I possess my own distinctive style and expression, which are recognizable in fine art. I am delving deeper into the history of Bulgarian art, and I aspire that one day my work will find its place in Bulgarian fine art.
PICKLE: When you start creating your collages, or paintings, what do you tend to think about first? MARTIN: I am a portraitist. I perceive my paintings as introductions or encounters with new individuals. Initially, I began creating them for myself, portraying my friends, reimagining my idols in my own style, and giving form to the illusions of my dreams and the beauty of my emotions.
Over time, both my approach to work and the portraits themselves have evolved. I developed my own set of rules, both technically and thematically, for creating them.
The titles of my paintings represent one of the most crucial aspects of my work, and I dedicate as much attention to naming them as I do to the paintings themselves. Literature holds a significant place in my heart—it is a passion and a magical realm from which I draw inspiration and replenish my creativity. I view my paintings as prophetic, and I am continually reaffirmed in this belief. After completing a portrait, there have been instances where I later encounter the depicted individual in real life, and if fortunate, I recognize them.
PICKLE: What was your proudest accomplishment? MARTIN: I think this is ahead of me
PICKLE: What does art mean to you?
MARTIN: I am an instinctual painter.
To me, instinct represents unconscious perfection, while my paintings thrive on conscious imperfection. Each painting is akin to a skin, adorned with countless wounds, scars, and slashes, which clandestinely contribute to its beauty and form the unconscious. Painting is a delightful yet enduring agony. When I paint, I engage in a battle. The pleasure lies in the anticipation of the idea, particularly in the aftermath when I am certain the painting is complete.
Art never serves as a remedy; it merely preserves its wounds. For me, facile emotions hold no significance. I paint because I am alone.
PICKLE: Pointure 46 was a project focussing on the beauty and eroticism of mens feet. How did you think of this? How was it created?
MARTIN: As I mentioned, I have a profound love for books, and currently, I am enamored with the realm of book publishing. Nothing makes me happier than stumbling upon a book from the past that is exotic, peculiar, rejected, or intimately amusing. This is precisely what my ongoing project, Size 46, embodies. Although incomplete, it holds the potential for an extensive edition dedicated to celebrating the beauty of large male feet.
As a portraitist, I meticulously observe every aspect of the human body, believing that its very essence communicates volumes about men. I find interest in the hands, eyes, ears, and legs as compelling aesthetic elements. I admire their symmetry, size, shape, and above all, their beauty. In my role as a photographer, my strength lies not in technical proficiency but in crafting compelling narratives and perspectives. I merge this niche anatomical focus with the timeless allure of black and white photography, often setting scenes with a poetic touch.
PICKLE: What are your feelings or relationships with social media? Do they aid or hinder your art?
MARTIN: We inhabit a reality where functioning without social networks is no longer feasible, and the art world is no exception. I view social media as a platform to enrich my visual palette, discovering artists who evade the constraints of the mainstream art industry and galleries. In today's context, an artist's presence and success in the global art scene often hinge on financial resources and connections. While my social media presence is not yet extensive, as I primarily engage with art collectors directly in the studio, I aspire to become a more prolific artist. Undoubtedly, cultivating an online presence demands considerable time and creativity, but it holds significant importance in presenting one's creativity to a wider audience.
PICKLE: Is there a relationship between art and sexuality? MARTIN: Sexuality permeates every aspect of human existence, often unconsciously. It holds a prominent role in art, as the images within a painting stem from the soul and intimate feelings of the artist. However, the extent to which sexuality is present in an artist's work, and how it is portrayed, is a matter of individual choice and taste. Nonetheless, a connection to the artist's sexuality can often be discerned, as exemplified in the works of Gauguin, the writings of Jean Cocteau, the paintings of Dali, or the clandestine sketches of Yves Saint Laurent.
PICKLE: And mortality. What significance does it hold for you, and does it influence your work?
MARTIN: Death is akin to a theatrical curtain that eventually falls, through which we all must pass. Due to my fascination with the occult and my connection to the spiritual realm, I harbor complex and fluctuating sentiments towards death. While fear is present, there is also a glimmer of hope that it does not signify the end. Death often serves as a guiding question in life, prompting reflections on our purpose and motivations. I believe that everyone should leave a mark on this world, drawing inspiration from those who have left their imprints before us. Discussing death isn't easy for me, as it renders me vulnerable both as an individual and as an artist.
PICKLE: What are your plans for the future, both personally and professionally?
MARTIN: I aim to expand my presence through more exhibitions across Europe, as I've previously overlooked this aspect and have observed the positive reception of my paintings in person.
Beyond my pursuits as an artist, I aspire to further develop my skills as a photographer and pursue opportunities in theater and cinema as an actor.
Simultaneously, I am on the brink of publishing my debut poetry book and am exploring avenues to publish other compelling authors through my publishing house. I am driven by a desire to contribute to the landscape of book publishing in Bulgaria and Europe. In light of this, I extend an invitation to any artist with a unique and captivating artistic vision to reach out and explore potential collaborations.
Follow Martin Dzhachkov on Instagram. Find out more about Martin's work
*This interview was conducted in 2021
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