From 15 June to 18 August, the Bulgarian artist and modern icon painter Dian Kostov brings a contemporary perspective to tradition with an exceptional exhibition at the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the world’s largest Art Deco church. This one-of-a kind collaboration transforms the church inside and out with custom installations and modern icon paintings, creating an immersive experience for visitors. “Crossroads” is an unmissable showcase of Kostov’s unique vision, inviting visitors on a contemplative journey of discovery.
Dian Kostov, a Bulgarian icon painter and leading artist in his field, brings a fresh interpretation to centuries-old tradition. For the exhibition “Crossroads – The Price of Choice”, he created immersive experience in the Basilica that begins from the moment you approach the exterior.
17-metre-high images depicting scenes from the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary decorates the facade of one of the largest churches in the world.
The unique combination of the grandness of scale and the intimacy of personal experience is continued by the works inside the basilica. Viewers will be challenged to walk a path that represents our search and wanderings in achieving spirituality and harmony. Temptations, material achievements, haste and consumerism make us neither more fulfilled nor happier. This very theme – “Where are we going?”- is the first part of the exhibition.
The second part begins with a large crown of thorns, under which there is a mirror. Standing under the crown of thorns we can ask ourselves questions related to the “Price” we pay for our achievements and the difficult choices we have to make.
The third part – “The Way” – is the encounter with that part of us that connects, trusts and seeks God. There will be 70 original works by Dian Kostov – icons, drawings and paintings. The entire space will create a sense of a heavenly world filled with over 1300 white birds.
About the artist
Dian Kostov, born in 1971 in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, is an artist and icon painter whose career has been shaped by the context of communism and state atheism in Bulgaria.
Fascinated by the Bible since childhood, he was influenced by an icon of Saint Mary in his grandmother’s room and studied under Anastas Konstantinov, renowned for his mystical expressionism. Although he initially considered a different career, Kostov discovered a passion for iconography and delved into icon painting, biblical archaeology, and the interpretation of sacred texts.
His work explores timeless questions through contemporary imagery, and his pieces are exhibited worldwide, including at the Biennale Internazionale dell’Arte Contemporanea in Florence.
His exhibition “Crossroads – The Price of Choice” has captivated a broad international audience, affirming his impact and prominence in contemporary art.
Practical information
Dian Kostov: Crossroads. The price of choice.
Venue: Basilique nationale du Sacré-Cœur, Basiliekvoorplein 1, Ganshoren 1083, Brussels
Duration: 15 June – 18 August 2024.
Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
Information: https://diankostov.com
Entrance fee: €13 for the Panaroma + the Exhibition.
