About The Artist

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ilian Rachov starts his artistic career like self-taught man in 1988 realizing copies of medieval orthodox icons and frescoes,re-discovering ancient techniques of gilding methods and how to engrave after the golden backgrounds of the icons. His personal elaboration of that kind of old techniques and his modern view of this very antique art helps him to develop an own personal and unmistakable style in the iconography field. This makes him very popular in Bulgaria and outside of the borders ,finding him many estimators and followers. Many of his icons and oil paintings are properties of Museums and churches in Bulgaria, Germany,Spain and Italy: * The Rila Monastery in Bulgaria * The St.George church in Sofia,Bulgaria * The Monastery of St.Menas in Sofia,Bulgaria * The Preobrajen Monastery in Bulgaria * The Curch of St.Petka in Petrich,Bulgaria * The St.Eliah in Sofia,Bulgaria * The Church Sacro cuore of The International Salesian's Institute in Turin,Italy * The Curch of St.Nicandro di Bari in Italy * The Curch of The Salesians in Turin * The Church of The Vatican Embassy in Sofia,Bulgaria * The Church of Mary La Consolata in Turin,Italy * The Church of St.Rita in Turin,Italy * The Historical MUSEUM of Chiprovzi in Bulgaria * The Ethnographic MUSEUM of Hamburg in Germany etc.. * The Vatican Museum *The Church of Pino Torinese *The Church of St.Rita in Turin and also of numerous private collections all around the world: Rome,Vatican,Palermo,Milan,New York,Chicago,Miami,Los Angeles,San Francisco,Paris,Strasburg,Hamburg,Berlin,Frankfurt, London,Madrid,Barcelona,Caracas,Tokyo,Moskow,Sofia,Plovdiv,Turin...etc Ilian has participated in 12 exhibitions in Hamburg,Germany,realized thanks to the Honorary Consul of Bulgaria – Prof.Imeyer and his wife Mrs.Petra Imeyer. From 2003 till 2006 Ilian created for VERSACE and VERSACE Home Collection six collections with baroque pattern designs used for prints on scarves ,fabrics ,clothes ,cushions ,lamps,ties and bed spreads ...used till now by Versace in their actual collections. In 1996 for the unique chromatic stile of his works he receives the HONOUR according to which "The Icons painted by Ilian Rachov show an AESTETHIC and WEALTHY EFFECT". In 1996 he paints for the "Nikola & Latina Tanev Foundation in Chicago,U.S.A. "The Angel of Peace and Freedom". In 1997 he receives the Prize "Golden Phenomenon of Bulgaria" for his contribute to the Bulgarian figurative Arts. In 1997 he participates with live show at the Icon Exhibition in Alstertall Einkauf Zentrum in Hamburg,Germany. He shows also some of his works in two exhibitions in the Ethnographic Museum in Hamburg,Germany. In 1998 he is invited again in Hamburg from the Ethnographic Museum to show his works there. In Alstertall Einkaufszentrum he organized for the second time the Icon Exhibition with live show. In 1999 from the President department of Bulgaria he received the commission to execute two portraits of the First Lady of Bulgaria - Mrs.Antonina Stojanova. In 1999 he is invited again in Hamburg to show his icons and to organize again the Icon Exhibition in the Ethnographic Museum and Alstertall Einkaufszentrum. In 2000 Ilian received from the Mons.Antonio Mennini - Vatican Ambassador in Sofia the commission to create in case of "The Jubilee 2000" a big painting representing The Holy Lamb of God posted later on the ceiling of the Church in the Vatican Embassy in Sofia. In 2000 he realize again several shows in Hamburg, Germany. In 2000 Ilian decide to move in Italy for working and living there. In 2001 he paints the first icon in Byzantine style of St.John Bosco for the church of the Salesian's Order in Turin,Italy. For the same Order he executes also a big oil painting now in Aula Magna of the International Salesian's Institute in Turin. He continues to make shows in Germany and to participate in several exhibitions in Italy. In 2002 he executes the big wall-painting on the altar wall in the Salesian's Church in Crocetta,Turin in Italy. In 2002 Ilian created also a big icon of The Dormition Of The Virgin for Mons.Auza - secretary of the Vatican City. In 2002 he is again in Germany for the Annual Icon Exhibition in Hamburg. In 2003 he paints numerous icons and paintings for many private and public collectors. He is one of the Artists presented on the International Art Show in Villa Amoreti in Turin,Italy. In 2003 Ilian was contacted by VERSACE Fashion House to create projects for baroque pattern designs for prints over the VERSACE products. He realized many designs for pillows,scarfs,ties etc. used till now by VERSACE. In 2005 his designs created for VERSACE ware shown in the annual show “Salone del Mobile” in Milan. They could be seen also on the official website of VERSACE Home Collection. In 2005 he paints also numerous paintings in oil and icons for many private collectors and for some churches in Italy. In 2005 he was contacted by The British Royal Mail for realizing a limited edition of Christmas Stamps with some of his icons. In 2005 he still create designs for VERSACE, very appreciated all around the world. In 2006 his works are shown in the Exhibition “CALEIDOSCOPIO” in “Gallery Crispi” in Rome. In 2006 Ilian continued to search and create new contemporary baroque style ornamental designs for VERSACE HOME COLLECTION. In 2007 he restored the old fresco ceilings in one important property in Nizza Monferrato, Italy. In 2008 he created the ceiling paintings for numerous important commitments in Italy. In 2009 he participated in the International Exhibition Italia Arte in Turin and win the prize for young emerging artist. He realized a big oil painting “The Tiger Hunt” for The Furniture Salon in Milan c/o Wozzup Showroom in Milan. He open also a personal exhibition called “Sebastian&Love” c/o Artifex Stile&Design. In 2010 he created a portrait of the famous italian tv hostess and journalist Barbara Castellani. Realized also an big icon for the altar of a church in Turin, Italy called “The Pregnant Virgin”. In 2010 he won through more than 300 artists from all around the world The International Prize “Artist Of The Year” during the annual international exhibition Italia Arte in Turin. He realized an important icon commissioned from the Cardinal of Turin, Mons. Severino Poletto. In 2011 he was in the cast of the movie “ Venuto al Mondo” ( “Twice Born”) directed by Sergio Castellitto and Margaret Mazzantini with Penèlope Cruz and Emile Hirsch. He realized a portrait of the actress Penèlope Cruz, now in her private collection. Being an artist with high aesthetic sense he exhibit some of his more important works during the MISS World Italy in Milan and he was called to be a jury for important events like Miss Cinema Italy, Mister made in Italy Piedmont, MISS FERRARI etc. During his artistic career he participated in various Television shows like artist and expert of Art. Some of his works are published in numerous magazines and newspapers like: “MORGEN POST” “HAMBURGER ABENDSBLATT” “LA STAMPA” “TOP ART” “ADAM” “TORINO SETTE” “VESTNIK ZA ZARJA” etc.. Some of his scarfs and clothes created for VERSACE were wear by important persons like Christina Aguilera, Donatella Versace, Elton John, Madonna etc.. His official website is : WWW.ILIANRACHOV.COM He is on facebook and on most important art websites and social networks.