Galin Malakchiev

Galin Malakchiev (1930–1987) was one of the most prominent and modern Bulgarian sculptors, a master of both easel and monumental sculpture. The son of a Tsarist cavalry officer, in his youth he worked as a gas welder during the construction of the National Library, where he mastered the craft of wrought iron and displayed a rebellious spirit against the socialist regime.

In 1961, he graduated from the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in the class of Prof. Lyubomir Dalchev. His work quickly gained international recognition, being showcased at the biennales in Paris and Budapest, as well as at EXPO 1970 in Osaka with his composition "Orpheus."

Malakchiev redefined the stylistic appearance of numerous public buildings in Bulgaria. Among his iconic monumental works are the "Athletes" relief on the facade of the Festivalna Hall, the "Za Bukvite" (For the Letters) composition at the National Palace of Culture (NDK), and the figure of Lilyana Dimitrova in front of the Sofia City Art Gallery. His most significant easel series include "Harlequin," "Jockey," and "Hiroshima." Throughout his career, he received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Grand Prix of the Union of Bulgarian Artists (1982) and the title "Honored Artist" (1986). From 1973 until his death, he lived and worked in the village of Batuliya.