AUGUST IN ART

BIENNIAL
OF VUSUAL ARTS

VARNA 2010

VII EDITION

Is there such a thing as “the big wave”?

What is it like and where is it to be found?

According to research, every single moment there are at least ten freak waves reaching 30 meters in height roaming the seas and oceans of the world. Instances have been recorded of ships having come across such waves. Yet, there is also a large number of oceanographers claiming that they are a mere fancy, similar to the stories about sirens and sea monsters. Human practice, however, has been speaking more and more often to the contrary. That is the reason why a lot of researchers today specialize in their prediction. Until that happens, everybody should be alert to the big wave.

The “big wave” is a term also used by mathematicians. After it was established that the universe is expanding and accelerating at an ever-increasing pace, there came the theory of “dark energy”. This hypothetical form of energy prompts the universe to expand like a balloon, thus pushing galaxies further apart. The landscape of outer space is gradually growing barren. The “Big Wave” theory offers an alternative explanation according to which galaxies are simply misplaced as a result of the big bang wave passing through space and time.

Regardless of where it might be, the “big wave” is a blend of truth and imagination, scientific fact and legend, evidence and counter-evidence. A substantial body of fictional work is devoted to the sea. Legends of sea nymphs, i. e. the Nereids, are to be found in the folk tradition of many countries. Those beautiful creatures like music and dancing; they entertain sailors and also help them fight perilous storms. Nereid is also the name of planet Neptune’s most distant moon. Naming a heavenly body after legendary sea creatures is hardly a coincidence. Enhanced knowledge of the galaxy and water expanses does not make us less attracted to them.

Over the last 20 years the history of Bulgaria, Eastern Europe and the world has had a lot to do with big immigrant waves, which have changed forever interpersonal relationships, as well as whole local cultures. Artists who will participate in the eighth edition of “August in Art” will explore in their works both the specific and metaphorical dimensions of the “big wave”, seeking for the points of intersection between reality and fantasy, going all the way from mythical sea creatures through to today’s heroes, from poetry through to prose, from the big wave as a natural phenomenon through to the big Bulgarian immigrant wave and global migration. New technologies and approaches will be competing with traditional ones, fairy tales will go hand in hand with reality. Because regardless of technological advancement, using stars in the night sky to find our way, as well as romantic star counts have not been declared void yet.

Curator
Maria Vassileva