Penio
Ivanov
Penio Ivanov was born in 1977 in Sliven, Bulgaria. He completed his secondary education in advertising graphics at the Special Secondary School for Art “Dimitar Dobrovich” in his hometown, before earning a master’s degree in Painting from Veliko Tarnovo University “Kiril and Methodius.” Penio’s artistic work is characterized by a romantic and harmonious use of color and form. Primarily working with oil paints on canvas, he also explores innovative paper collage techniques that layer colored paper without paint, inviting viewers into a unique visual and textural experience.
This combination of traditional and experimental methods gives his art a distinctive voice that bridges classic painting with contemporary exploration.
Since his first solo exhibition in Sliven in 1996, Penio has shown his work widely in Bulgaria and abroad, including exhibitions in Greece and ongoing collaborations with galleries in the United States and Bulgaria’s major cities such as Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, and Burgas. His work is featured on various international platforms, bringing Bulgarian contemporary art to a broader audience.
Beyond his studio practice, Penio views art as a vital part of his soul and daily life. He creates pieces that evoke emotional depth and visual harmony, often infusing his romantic sensibility into abstract and figurative forms alike. Committed to giving back, he donates a portion of his art sales to charitable causes, reflecting a strong social conscience alongside his artistic endeavors.
Penio Ivanov continues to develop his style and presence both in Bulgaria and internationally, contributing to the evolving conversation of modern Bulgarian painting.
