The magnetic stained glass windows in Geneva from the era of Modernism

The event is part of a series of cultural and discussion seminars held in the heart of Sofia, in a new space for culture, art, spiritual beauty and enlightenment - NEXUS space. Our idea is to turn the space into a cultural center and to create a community of enthusiasts and thinking people, aimed at encouraging and developing the creative sector in the capital and beyond.

 

The topics included in the series will be presented in an accessible language and are aimed at the general public. They are suitable for schoolchildren, university students and anyone wishing to enrich their general culture and knowledge on the relevant topics. Everyone is welcome!

 

Who is the guest lecturer at this event?

 

Yulian Raichev is a doctor of art history and fine arts at the National Academy of Arts, Sofia. In 2014 he defended his dissertation on the topic: "Development of stained glass in the decorative and applied arts in Bulgaria in the 1930s - 1950s of the 20th century". He is pursuing a second doctoral degree in art history at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, and is working on a dissertation on the topic: "Modern Religious Stained Glass in Romansh Switzerland 1900-1960. Iconography, Composition, Liturgical Space".

 

Extensive lecturing experience:

 

He teaches at UNIBIT, Sofia in the disciplines: "History of Bulgarian Fine Arts" and "Art History Expertise of Fine and Decorative and Applied Arts".

 

He is a lecturer in the discipline "Art History Analysis" in the post-graduate qualification course "Management and Evaluation of Cultural and Artistic Values" at the Institute of Contemporary Art, UNWE.

 

Active curatorial and art history experience:

 

Over the years, he has been the curator of numerous exhibitions in various galleries and cultural institutions, including the Italian Cultural Institute, Sofia, the Anima Gallery, the Hilton Hotel, etc.

 

In the period 2012-2015 he was a curator in the “Art in the 20th Century” department at the National Gallery - Square 500.

 

What is the theme of the cultural and discussion seminar and what will you learn?

 

Topic: "Magnetic Stained Glass in Geneva from the Modernist Era".

 

The city and canton of Geneva are known to us mostly for the development of watchmaking and banking. The seminar reveals to us the unknown Geneva with the charming color and colorful imagery of the stained glass in the many Catholic churches, Protestant temples, as well as examples in secular architecture.

 

The competition between artists from the beginning of the 20th century in painting monumental stained glass windows has left some of the most valuable treasures in the field of applied art and the development of authorial artistic styles during the modern era and in contrast to the Sulpice style from the 19th century.

 

- We will get acquainted with the dynamics in the historical scene "Escalade" by the artist Henri Demol in the old Protestant church of Saint Gervais.

 

- We will see, from author's photos of the lecturer Dr. Julian Raichev, the first stained glass performance in the church of Notre Dame by the artist Alexandre Singria, whose artistic style literally shocked the audience.

 

Singria created a creative group "Saint Luke" in the avant-garde district "Paki" and gained many admirers and followers.

 

His emblematic stained glass windows in an exotic style are also located in the Aula of the University of Geneva.

 

We will see other interesting examples in the work of the artists: Alice Basset, Todor Stravinsky, Maurice Denis, Paul Monier, Albert Chavaz, Jean-Édouard de Castella, Albert-Januarius de Decarli and many others.

 

When? - October 3, 2025 (Friday), from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

 

Ticket price:

 

- regular ticket - 20 BGN/10.23 EUR

 

- ticket for students, pensioners and people with disabilities - 15 BGN/7.67 EUR

 

The ticket price includes a seminar-discussion part and a cocktail part of a glass of wine, water (500 ml.) and a small treat on a buffet.

 

Places are LIMITED! Don't delay and reserve your place now