an online exhibition by Duvarkolektiv’s Yanka Simova and special guest artist Maria Asensova. Selected and photographed by Hannah Rose

It was no surprise that Maria Asenova, an elder relative, was motivated to share her designs in this exhibition too. She was, after all, one of the older women who made up this backdrop of resourceful women from whom Yanka learnt her skills and influenced her designs.

Both of their works are decidedly cheerful- from adult cardigans to the tiniest booties for a baby- each design is detailed, with various textures, bright colour, intricate patterns and choice of wool. Similarly, Yanka re-uses old materials such as party dresses, the clothes of fast-growing children. To these tenants of fast-fashion she re-imagines and gives them new life. Repairs. Revives.  As if asking – should vividness and glamour be saved for only one day of the year (a party or wedding)- or could the same brilliance enter our everyday? Can we not equally celebrate the return home from after work, or keeping warm during winter months?

What a world it would be, if instead of searching for a disposable answer we treasured and re-fashioned a our old knowledge accumulated by our grandparents. Rather than throwing our clothes, crafts, empty jars, we wove them into new life.

---

Duvarпuzei is made possible with the financial assistance of the National Cultural Fund of Bulgaria, program “Socially Engaged Arts”.