The Bulgarian Ex Libras and The Presence of Women Artists in It (1920s–1980s)

The period after World War I is considered important and key for the development of our national art. The flourishing of cultural life, the emergence of numerous art societies is a prerequisite for the development of Bulgarian art. In this article, the object of research are the representatives of one of the first generations of authors who worked in the field of graphics and ex libris, in particular. Unfortunately, the general audience is not familiarized with their work. The article provides an overview of the history and appearance of ex libris, its execution techniques, and its place in Bulgarian graphic art. Emphasis is placed on the female artists in Bulgarian graphics, with the following being mentioned: Anna Kramer, Binka Vazova, Misha Popova, Zhana Kosturkova, Violeta Grivishka-Taneva, Katya Kostova, Ralitsa Nikolova, Krasimira Dimchevska, Tonya Goranova, and Olga Paskaleva. Some of them were born before the 1920s, therefore their art was created predominantly in the period between the two world wars. Others were born after the 30s and 40s of the 20th century, but they developed in the field of ex libris and contributed no less to the development of graphic art. Based on the information presented in the article, it is clear that women artists contributed to the development of art and the cultural enrichment of the nation during their time