Vladimir
Kirov
Vladimir Kirov is a distinguished Bulgarian painter and miniaturist based in Troyan, known for his emotionally resonant portraiture and refined technique. Born in Lovech in 1955, he graduated from the Art School in Kazanlak and went on to study painting at the National Academy of Arts in Sofia, later completing a specialization in St. Petersburg.Kirov’s work is defined by a deep psychological insight and an expressive yet delicate aesthetic. His portraits, especially of women, are layered with inner emotion and narrative, inviting viewers into a quiet, reflective dialogue.
He describes painting as a form of non-verbal communication—a way to connect soulfully beyond words.
Throughout his career, Kirov has presented over 27 solo exhibitions and earned numerous prestigious awards. These include the Grand Prize at the International Biennale of Miniature Arts in Ruse, the “Lovech Sword” Award for Visual Arts, and international honors from the UK, France, and Canada. In 2002, he was one of ten international winners in the Daler-Rowney Global Painting Competition.
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Vladimir Kirov has been a longtime educator at the National High School of Applied Arts “Prof. Venko Kolev” in Troyan, where he has mentored generations of young artists. He values creativity, individuality, and nurturing each student's unique artistic voice.
In 2024, he exhibited alongside his children—ceramist Martin Kirov and painter Lubomira Kirova—in a major family exhibition, highlighting the Kirov family’s ongoing legacy in Bulgarian art.
Vladimir Kirov continues to paint, teach, and inspire with a style that blends tradition, introspection, and quiet emotional power.
