Portrait of Baba Vanche

Concept

Yassen Grigorov creates distinct photographs, working on analogue media across 35mm and medium format film. He's primarily focused on documentary works that aim to engage the viewer with uncommon narratives that bring attention to lesser known sociopolitical issues.

Grigorov gathers inspiration from his family, his peers, as well as media. His most recent project is the result of a confrontation with years' worth of negative convictions surrounding his national identity, clashing with his newfound appreciation for his familial and ethnic roots.

Grigorov is steadily establishing himself as an artist to follow and invest in, both in his home country of Bulgaria and in the United Kingdom, where he's based, having graduated with First Class Honours from the BA Photography course at the University of Westminster. His artwork is consistently featured in a variety of print and online publications and exhibitions, and his most recent project, "Exemplary Home" has won a second place prize in its category at the prestigious 2020 International Photography Awards as well as a third-place prize in the biggest photography awards in Bulgaria - the BPA, in 2021.

By demonstrating utmost quality and commitment to his practice, Grigorov champions a mentality of loyalty, honesty and connectedness in his art and aims to pave the way for the next generations of aspirational Bulgarian visual artists.