The Bulgarian sculptress Margarita Pueva (1950) makes sculptures in bronze and painted wood. She sometimes combines both of these materials in her sensitive sculptures of female figures. The women appear to have withdrawn from their environment. In spite of their introversion they also have a visible vulnerability about them. Even when portrayed from head to toe great attention is given to facial expression. The serene ambience is reminiscent of saints as depicted on old icons. An association to primitive masks is also provoked. At the foundation of her sculpting lies her great interest in the primitive art of Africa and the religious artwork of the middle ages. By integrating references to historical art forms in her own work Pueva displays her commitment to the historical artistic context in her contemporary work. Pueva has acquired an original and recognisable language of imagery in which she expresses an inner tranquillity and peace.
Education: Academy of Fine Arts, Veliko Arnovo, Bulgaria
