Nedko Solakov Appears as a Character in Dave Eggers' New Novel Contrapposto (2026)

Artist Nedko Solakov appears as a character in Dave Eggers' new novel Contrapposto, published in 2026 by Alfred A. Knopf.

Dave Eggers is one of the most acclaimed American writers of his generation and the author of A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, The Circle, and The Every (published in Bulgarian by Janet 45). In Contrapposto, he explores the life of an artist, the complexities of the creative process, and the relationship between art, personal history, and the contemporary art world.

In an interview with BOMB Magazine, Eggers reveals that Nedko Solakov is the only real person to appear in the novel. He recalls meeting Solakov in Sofia many years ago and describes the artist's work as having made a lasting impression on him. According to Eggers, Solakov's artistic practice combining drawing, text, humour, irony, and storytelling resonates closely with the themes explored in the book.

As a gallery representing Nedko Solakov and believing in the power of both art and literature to create new connections and dialogues, Sarieva congratulates Nedko and Dave on this inspiring encounter between visual art and literature and wishes Contrapposto every success.

Photos: Dave Eggers, photo by Mark Davis; Nedko Solakov, photo by Dimitar Solakov.