ARTRIOTI — The Faces We Remember
A portrait of Yana Yazova — Bulgarian writer and poet, born Lyuba Todorova Gancheva, whose remarkable literary legacy includes poetry, prose and historical novels such as „Левски“, „Бенковски“ and „Шипка“. Much of her work reached readers only years later, after a complicated and tragic literary fate.
This original illustration is part of ARTRIOTI — my illustrated archive of the writers, artists, actors and musicians who left a lasting mark on Bulgarian culture.
WHY I DREW HER
I drew Яна Язова because her story is almost as powerful as her writing.
There is something fascinating about an artist whose voice could have disappeared — and yet survived.
Her work carries intelligence, ambition and an extraordinary determination to write, even when circumstances were against her.
For me, remembering Yana Yazova is also about remembering how easily an important voice can be pushed aside — and why it matters to bring it back into the light.
I draw them so we don’t forget them.
THE PIECE
Original illustration by Svetlomira Minkova, created in Sofia as part of the ARTRIOTI series.
A piece dedicated to a remarkable Bulgarian literary voice whose work deserved to be rediscovered — made to be worn, remembered and passed on.
Bulgarian culture, drawn to be remembered.