Photojournalist Jacko Vassilev comes to St. Augustine's Art Walk
This February the work of famed photographer, Jacko Vassilev, is on display at St. Augustine’s The Lost Art Gallery.
Every first Friday of the month, St. Augustine, Fla. hosts its First Friday Art Walk in the city’s historic district. On Friday, February 3rd, 2017 The Lost Art Gallery at 210 St. George Street opened its Jacko Vassilev exhibit. Vassilev is a world-renowned photographer whose work is permanently displayed in locations such as the International Center of Photography in New York and the European Center of Photography in Paris. Now his work has made it to The Ancient City for a limited engagement.
Jacko was present for the opening night of his exhibit and spent the evening speaking with guests. Bulgarian-born Vassilev began his work as a photographer while his country was still under communist rule. His photographs reflect the people, the culture, and the history of Eastern Europe. The stories and insights he shared with guests at the Lost Art Gallery often began as an answer to a question about his photography, but would just as frequently delve into inspiring and humorous anecdotes.
When Vassilev was asked about the story behind his photograph, Joy after home made wine, friends from childhood, Vassilev explained that the women in the photograph had asked him to drink some wine with them, as is the custom in Bulgaria.
“I don’t drink alcohol and I don’t smoke,” Vassilev recalled telling the women.
His response caused the women to laugh which lead to the moment captured in the photograph. Vassilev spent much of the evening regaling guests with stories of his country and words of wisdom from his culture.
“No one is bigger than the daily bread. In front of the wine and food we are all equal,” Vassilev said to a group of gallery patrons.
Also in attendance, that evening were artists, John Gamache and Robert Stewart. Both Gamache and Stewart have work on display at the Lost Art Gallery. Gallery owner Victoria L. Golden socialized with guests and introduced visitors to the artists in attendance.
Jacko Vassilev stands in front of his photography while attending the opening night of his exhibit at the Lost Art Gallery on Feb. 3, 2017, in St. Augustine. (Photo: Mal Carney)
As the evening came to a close and guests began to leave the gallery, Jacko and his wife Valentina bid the guests a good evening. Jacko ended his conversations with a unique and personal farewell;
“Be healthy.”
For more information on Jacko Vassilev and his work, visit his website. The Jacko Vassilev photography exhibit is at the Lost Gallery until the end of February. Visit the gallery’s website for full details.