A Bulgarian-German exhibition in Chicago builds a bridge between the Windy City and Hamburg

Emilia Jucker: The role of the Bulgarians is to help build good relations between people

published on 10/7/24 1:16 PM

Photo: Personal archive

The president of the Bulgarian Women and Families Club in Hamburg, Emilia Jucker, presents her paintings to the Chicago public for the second time. This time her exhibition is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the cooperation between the two cities on both sides of the ocean. With a focus on migration, the show is entitled 'From the Sea to the Lake'. It is a collaboration with German photographer Andreas Haufe. The official opening took place on 5 October.

"There is a large German community here and the Germans in Chicago have contributed a lot to the prosperity of the city in the past. "The German community here is also made up of immigrants, just like the Bulgarian community," Ms Jucker told Radio Bulgaria. "Besides, Hamburg, where I have lived for 30 years, has been twinned with Chicago for three decades. Now we are marking the anniversary of this event, and I am glad that we can contribute to the celebrations".

Emilia Jucker has chosen to present several artistic interpretations of the German city in oil and acrylic. The exhibition also includes her "musical" works - paintings created during classical concerts:

"They are made live to classical music. As you know, Hamburg has been home to many composers who have made significant contributions to the world. I have created several works painted live to the music of Chopin, performed by the pianist Marina Savova, with whom I collaborate, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to her. In addition, I have compositions inspired by Dutch composers, created during concerts in Sofia. I think you will like these pieces.

Artistic interpretation on medieval Dutch music

Some of my works are closely related to the programme itself, including a painting dedicated to love between people in different cities. In this piece I have depicted people looking at the stars, their hearts aflame with human love for one another. The message is that this love can guide our world towards something good. The painting is two metres wide and captures the movement of people towards the light. It features colours that symbolise the emblems of the cities: light blue, white and red.

Both cities have made great contributions to the world, but I also believe that the Bulgarians have a unique role as ambassadors of good relations, artistic expression and cooperation between people of different nationalities - united by their love for good".

After Strauss's Waltz (left) and Chopin's Waltzes , Op. 64, No. 2, in C sharp minor (right)

The exhibition is curated by Vassilen Vasevski, a prominent Bulgarian artist in Chicago. It runs until 19 October at the German-American Cultural Center in Chicago and features paintings by Dr Emilia Jucker and art photography by Andreas Haufe.

"Andreas Haufe and I were colleagues at the medical clinic where I was an associate professor. This was before he became a professional photographer. He works all over northern Germany, mainly in the city of Hamburg, and is interested in showing the positive vibes of the city. Together we have participated in 6 exhibitions" - explains Emilia Jucker.

As president of the Bulgarian Women and Families Club and a board member of the Confederation of Bulgarian Cultural Organisations and Activists Abroad, based in Chicago, Ms Jucker is very active in preserving Bulgarian culture and traditions among Bulgarians in Hamburg.

At the same time, the initiatives of the association she heads - such as the Biennial of Bulgarian Humour and the Festival of Bulgarian Fiction - involve compatriots from other German cities and from all over the world. Her current visit to Chicago is accompanied by numerous meetings with representatives of the largest Bulgarian community in America.

Music, literature and powerful paintings - the opening of the Bulgarian-German exhibition "From the Sea to the Lake" in Chicago offered all this and more. The event brought colour, smiles, beauty and peace to the crowd, serving as a counterpoint to today's conflict-ridden world.

Photos: Personal archive до Emilia Jucker

Translated and posted by Elizabeth Radkova

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