Kuker by Nikolay Yanakiev

Artwork Description

A beautiful abstract painting by Nikolay Yanakiev, part of his first solo exhibition on the ArtWizard Platform. The painting represents Kuker, coming from Kukeri, representing elaborately costumed Bulgarian men who perform traditional rituals intended to scare away evil spirits. Closely related traditions are found throughout the Balkans and Greece (including Romania and the Pontus). The costumes cover most of the body and include decorated wooden masks of animals (sometimes double-faced) and large bells attached to the belt. Around New Year, the Kukeri walk and dance through villages to scare away evil spirits with their costumes and the sound of their bells. They are also believed to provide a good harvest, health, and happiness to the village during the year.