Atanas Katchamakoff
Atanas Katchamakoff (January 18, 1898 – December 22, 1988) was a Bulgarian-American sculptor, woodcarver, and illustrator known for works that bridged his Bulgarian heritage and his artistic life in America. He gained recognition for his sculptures, his art school in Palm Springs, and his children's book illustrations.
Early life and education
[edit]Katchamakoff was born on January 18, 1898, in Lyaskovets, Bulgaria,[1] among the Balkan Mountains, which later influenced his artistic sensibilities. Initially following his father's wishes to become a lawyer, he graduated from law school and practiced law briefly before pursuing his passion for art. Supported by his fiancée, Alexandra, he attended the National Art Academy in Sofia, completing the five-year program in just three years. His academic achievements earned him recognition, and his statue "Grief" won first prize at the International Sculpture Exhibition in Berlin.[2]
Career in Europe
[edit]Katchamakoff's early career was marked by success in several artistic competitions, including first prizes at exhibitions in Vienna, Venice, and Rome. His work was influenced by Serbian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. These successes led to commissions for architectural sculptures in Germany, and a permanent gallery of his works was established in Sofia, Bulgaria.[2]
Move to America
[edit]In 1924, Katchamakoff moved to the United States, drawn by Hollywood's creative possibilities.[3] He worked on several films in production design, including The King of Kings, Ben Hur, Helen of Troy, and Noah's Ark. However, he grew disillusioned with the transient nature of Hollywood art and returned to sculpting and portraiture.[2]
Work in Palm Springs
[edit]In the late 1920s, Katchamakoff settled in Palm Springs, California, where he opened the El Paseo Art Gallery and founded the Palm Springs Art School in 1930.[4][5] The desert landscape inspired him to simplify his sculptural forms, and he created works such as "Prayer" and "Indian Woman with Papoose," the latter of which won first prize in a national competition conducted by the Art Alliance of America.[2][6] During this time period he exhibited his art throughout the United States, including major exhibitions in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.[7][8][9][10]
Contributions to children's literature
[edit]In 1934, Katchamakoff's illustrations for Dobry, a children's book by Monica Shannon, contributed to the book's winning the Newbery Medal for children's literature. Dobry tells the story of a Bulgarian boy whose artistic aspirations overcome daily struggles and his mother's apprehensions. Katchamakoff's illustrations, rooted in his own experiences as a peasant boy in Bulgaria, were integral to the narrative. Many incidents in the book drew directly from his life, providing authenticity and vibrancy to the story.[11][12][13]
Artistic style and legacy
[edit]Katchamakoff's works often reflected his Bulgarian roots, combining monumental forms with a peasant's connection to the earth. One critic wrote that his art resonated with a naive charm and an appreciation for the simplicity of life. His career included exhibitions and accolades, such as prizes at the Sofia exhibitions in 1919 and 1920, Berlin in 1920, Venice in 1921, and the California State Fair in 1929. He also held solo exhibitions at the Stendahl Galleries in Los Angeles in 1931, the Delphic Studio in New York City in 1935, and the Carl Fischer Gallery in 1936.[2][14][15][16]
During the years 1945-1958 Katchamakoff was inactive as a professional artist, focusing more on teaching. His work, mostly consisting of portrait busts and figures, continues to be recognized for blending his cultural heritage with his artistry.[17][18]
Personal life and death
[edit]Katchamakoff was married for many years to Alexandra (Sasha) Katchamakoff, a ceramic artist. He died on December 22, 1988.[17]
External links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Kachamakov, Atanas". Benezit Dictionary of Artists. Oxford Art Online. 31 October 2011.
- ^ a b c d e Millier, Arthur (May 10, 1931). "Our Artists in Person: No. 27--Atanas Katchamakoff". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ "Bulgarian Sculptor In Hollywood: Comes To America Intent On Wedding Sweetheart And Opens Salon Here". Los Angeles Times. September 10, 1927. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ "Katchamakoff, Balkan, Interprets America". Art Digest. 5 (10): 17. February 15, 1931.
- ^ "Art School Opens In Desert: Palm Springs Artists Start Move". Los Angeles Times. April 11, 1930. p. 14. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ "Wins China Art Prize: A. Katchamakoff Of California Takes $1,500 Alliance Award". New York Times. January 27, 1931. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ "Indian Woman with Papoose; Mother Love; Captive". California Arts and Architecture. 39: 50. April 1931.
- ^ "San Francisco Sees Katchamakoff Sculpture". Art Digest. 8: 7. May 1, 1934.
- ^ "Exhibition, Carl Fischer Gallery". ARTnews. 34: 9. April 1936.
- ^ "Katchamakoff in Notable Sculpture Show". Art Digest. 5 (16): 6. May 15, 1931.
- ^ Connell, Joanna Z. (1936). "Newbery Prizes: Awards and Authors". The Elementary English Review. 13 (6): 209–22. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ Levstik, Linda (1980). Refuge and Reflection: American Children's Literature as Social History, 1920-1940. PhD Dissertation (PhD thesis). The Ohio State University. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ Peter D. Sieruta (2006). "Shannon, Monica". The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195146561.
- ^ "Katchamakoff Holds First New York Exhibit". Art Digest. 10 (5): 27. December 1, 1935.
- ^ Devree, Howard (April 5, 1936). "In Art Galleries: New Exhibitions: A French Painter Holds His First American Show -- Comment On More Than A Score Of Other Recently Opened Attractions". The New York Times. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ Devree, Howard (December 1, 1935). "Briefs From A Reviewer's Notebook". The New York Times. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ a b "Artist Biography & Facts: Atanas Katchamakoff". askART. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ Starr, Barbara (October 25, 1973). "Moses, Kristos On Display". Northridge Daily Sundial. p. 3. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
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