Hristo Simeonov

Hristo Simeonov (Bulgarian: Христо Симеонов) (born on 14 May 1935) is a Bulgarian artist known for developing an art form called pario-realism (Bulgarian: париореализъм). Pario-realism explores the depiction of abstract and hypothetical realities through familiar visual elements, aiming to represent unachievable states of consciousness and physical perception.

Biography In the spring of 1950, at a small shop on 25 Fritjof Nansen Street, Sofia, Simeonov's father displayed numerous watercolors created by the young artist and inspired by the city's surroundings. This marked Simeonov's first public presentation of his work. Due to financial difficulties in subsequent years, he had to sell his paintings at minimal prices.

Simeonov graduated in painting from the Sofia Art Academy in 1960. His initial exhibition of pario-realistic works were reviewed by art critic Kiril Krustev in the journal Izkustvo.

In 1994, he was invited to exhibit his works at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Between 1995 and 2006, he published a series of essays on rhythm in nature, titled The Gravitational Universe, The Ecatalic Universe, and The Error of Edwin Hubble. These essays were later compiled into a single volume: Three Imaginary Letters to Stephen Hawking – My Ant-Ego.

Artistic style and contributions Simeonov's concept of pario-realism presents alternative realities by using conventional visual elements in unusual ways. This approach is meant to challenge conventional perspectives, and encourage viewers to reconsider their understanding of reality.

Publications

The Gravitational Universe The Ecatalic Universe The Error of Edwin Hubble Three Imaginary Letters to Stephen Hawking – My Ant-Ego

Exhibitions

1994: United Nations, New York City 1985: National Gallery of Art, Sofia, Bulgaria 1990: European Contemporary Art Exhibition, Paris, France 1998: Sofia City Art Gallery, Bulgaria 2002: Biennale of Contemporary Art, Venice, Italy