In 2014, captivated by the energy and spirit of Sofia’s Women’s Market, Sarieva Gallery acquired the iconic loft-studio of renowned Bulgarian sculptor Dimitar Boykov – Hesapa (1927–2000). The space immediately struck us with its magnetic potential — a place where art, memory, and possibility converged.
We transformed the former sculpture studio into a showroom for Sarieva Gallery, carefully modernizing the design while preserving its historical soul. It became more than just a gallery space — it was a collector’s room, a salon for discovering new artists and artworks through personal, invitation-only meetings. Together with Katrin Sarieva, we officially opened SARIEV Studio in November 2017, offering a unique setting for intimate exhibitions, portfolio presentations, and vibrant, champagne-filled gatherings for collectors and art lovers.
One of the most important initiatives hosted in the studio was Portfolio Day, a special event designed to support and showcase the work of young Bulgarian artists through one-on-one meetings with curators, critics, and professionals.
Designed by MMXX Architects, the space honors Boykov’s legacy, whose iconic works — often centered around the female form as a symbol of rebirth, rebellion, and dignity — deeply inform our curatorial vision.
Our connection with the Women’s Market area continued to grow. In 2019, we were invited to contribute to the conception and development of a new visionary building nearby: DOT Sofia. This mixed-use architectural space was designed not only as a residential and cultural building but as a long-term partner to Sarieva / Gallery’s artistic mission.
The first activation of Sarieva @ DOT took place in October 2021, even while the building was still under construction: FUTURE UNFORGETTABLE – PHASE III: UNDER DECONSTRUCTION, 29–30 October 2021, Sarieva @ DOT, Sofia
Borrowing its title from Stefan Nikolaev’s work Under Deconstruction, the exhibition was fittingly installed in a site of transition — a building under construction, reflective of the evolving art scene and our own transformative approach. The exhibition featured major works by Luchezar Boyadjiev, Stela Vasileva, Zoran Georgiev, Pravdoliub Ivanov, Nina Kovacheva, Michail Michailov, Ivan Mоudov, Stefan Nikolaev, Nedko Solakov, Kamen Stoyanov, and Samuil Stoyanov.
This was followed by the pre-opening exhibition of DOT Sofia in September 2023: TRANSFORMATION AT THE LEVEL OF THE EYES, Solo exhibition by Pravdoliub Ivanov, 15–17 September 2023, Sarieva @ DOT, Sofia.
Shortly after, in late September 2023, Sarieva / Gallery officially launched its long-term collaboration with DOT Sofia, with the public opening of the building and its cultural program: HOME – Stefan Nikolaev, 29–30 September 2023, Opening exhibition of Sarieva @ DOT
The exhibition, along with a rich public program of culinary, community, and cultural activations, marked the beginning of our permanent curatorial and artistic presence in the new space.
Today, SARIEV Studio in Boykov’s historic atelier remains our intimate base, while Sarieva @ DOT Sofiahosts our public exhibitions and programs. Together, they embody our commitment to building bridges between tradition and innovation, local and global, memory and future.
We’re also thrilled to share that Sarieva / Gallery was recently featured in Glean.artmagazine in an article by Viktoria Draganova, which opens with our work in the Women’s Market — a recognition of our visionary presence and commitment to exploring new cultural territories. It’s rewarding to see how our ideas have helped shape the local art scene and inspired others to follow in similar directions.
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photos: Dimitar Bojkov Archive (Ivo Hadjimishev), Pravdoliub Ivanov, Yana Lozeva, Sarieva's archive
