One of the largest and best exhibitions to be shown in Sofia this season was opened on Tuesday at the Gallery of the Union of Bulgarian Artists at 6 Shipka St. The exhibit, entitled 100 Years of Iliya Beshkov, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the prominent Bulgarian artist, who has become a sensation in the life and history of Bulgaria and its art.

More than 800 drawings, illustrations, caricatures and paintings by Beshkov have been arranged on the first three floors of the gallery offering a glance at the life and work of this prominent Bulgarian. Documentary photos shown in front of the halls follow the life of Beshkov and an accompanying exhibition of works by students of the great professor gives an idea of what his successors have accomplished.

Mild, pastel colours dominate the works which cover the white walls of the gallery. People are the main object of interest of the great artist-humanist. "If anybody could be called an artist-citizen it would be Iliya Beshkov," said Bulgarian artist Svetlin Russev. "And even that would not be enough to characterize the great master."

Russev pointed out that in his numerous works Beshkov managed to elevate everyday matters to cosmic dimensions. "A main issue in his art is human characteristics and spirituality," Russev noted adding that, in addition to his artistic work, Beshkov wrote a substantial amount of essays. "He was also a philosopher," he said.

The exhibition covers all periods and trends in Beshkov's art. The first two floors of the gallery host mainly caricatures and illustrations while the third floor features drawings created while Beshkov was teaching as well as a collection of canvases by his students. The majority of them are among the most renowned names of Bulgarian art. According to the chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Artists, Hristo Haralampiev, all big names in Bulgarian graphics have attended the lessons of Beshkov.

The works exhibited in 100 Years of Iliya Beshkov are owned by the Pleven Art Gallery, which was named after the artist, the National Art Gallery, and private owners. One of the initiators for the exhibition was the artist's son Alexander Beshkov who also provided some canvases.

The artist, who is often described as a figure combining in himself a great artist, far-sighted public figure, philosopher, writer and musician, was born on July 21, 1901, in the village of Dolni Dubnik, Pleven region in Northern Bulgaria. At the age of 17, he enrolled as a law student at Sofia University and later became a teacher in his home town. In 1926, Beshkov graduated from the National Academy of Art in Sofia, majoring in painting. During his student years he was also a contributor to newspapers in Sofia. His teaching career at the graphics department of the Academy started in 1945, and he gained the title of professor in 1951.

The 100 Years of Iliya Beshkov exhibition will be on view until October 14.