The Work of the “Unknown” Genius Marin Varbanov

Marin Varbanov – WAN Man is a Bulgarian artist, professor, and lecturer in “artistic textiles” at the National Academy of Arts in Bulgaria.

Throughout his career, Varbanov achieved the highest recognition for his exceptional contributions to the development of both fine and applied arts in Bulgaria and China. His interpretations in working with tapestries and transforming materials like textiles, wool, and paper into three-dimensional space define a fundamental contribution to the world of modern art.

Due to Marin Varbanov’s experiments in textile processing, his dedication to teaching students, and his outstanding contribution to contemporary modern art, his work has been included in the 100 Dunav Ultra Highlights list as of 2024.

His personal story and artistic legacy remain largely unknown to the wider Bulgarian audience. However, both Varbanov’s life and creative pursuits resonate within cultural circles in Bulgaria and far beyond its borders. His work with textiles interprets the so-called “modern wall hanging art,” inspiring generations of artists worldwide who have adopted his techniques and experiments.

Varbanov’s fascinating personal story intertwines with his professional achievements on multiple levels. The artist was recognized during his lifetime by cultural circles in Bulgaria, France, Japan, Australia, Canada, and the USA, while in China, his name is held in the highest regard.

For his fundamental contributions to global applied arts, the work of Prof. Marin Varbanov has been included in the 100 Dunav Ultra Highlights list since 2024.

Невероятната история на Ван и Сун…

 

“For me, the creative process is nothing more than a pursuit of perfection… It requires immense emotional and physical effort, energy, and perseverance. However, if the art of tapestry becomes one’s destiny, it demands their entire existence.”
– Marin Varbanov (1932–1989)

Professor Marin Varbanov was born in 1932 in the town of Oryahovo but was orphaned at a young age. He was adopted and raised by Ivan and Tota Varbanovi in the Danube town. In 1951, he gained admission to the National Academy of Arts in Sofia, and two years later, a chance for further education in China presented itself. This marked the beginning of a story filled with surprising twists, worldwide recognition, and… an extraordinary love.

In China, while delving into the intricacies of textile art, the young Varbanov also excelled at learning the Chinese language. This skill led him to meet the delicate Song Huai-Kuei, the daughter of educated parents descended from the Ming dynasty. A spark of love ignited between the two, and their relationship evolved from passion and longing into a determined decision to marry.


The young Song Huai-Kuei and Marin Varbanov, photo from the personal archive of Boryana Varbanova.

At the time, their plan was almost unimaginable—marriage between a Chinese woman and a foreigner was viewed as taboo and even a form of national betrayal. (Even today, mixed marriages are rare in China—editor’s note.) Wan Man (the name by which Varbanov later became known in China) and Sun were fully aware of the challenges they faced. Over time, overcoming these obstacles together became part of the strong bond that united this unconventional couple.

The two wrote an explanation and submitted a request for support to the Chairman of the State Council of China, Zhou Enlai. Evidently, their arguments were persuasive because the party leader surprisingly granted them permission. This decision could not have been made without the knowledge and blessing of Mao Zedong himself.

From that moment onward, Wan and Song became more than just husband and wife. Their marriage solidified them during difficult times, while their hard work, persistence, and talent laid a solid foundation for the fame they would encounter in the future. Meanwhile, their daughter, Boryana, was born in China.

At the start of their artistic and family journey, and under the pressure of life’s challenges, the couple moved to Sofia. Meanwhile, a new political doctrine emerged in China, cutting Song off from her family for nearly 16 years.

Song Huai-Kuei and Varbanov in Sofia, photo from the personal archive of Boryana Varbanova.

Their time in Bulgaria begins with financial difficulties, but Van and Song are accustomed to challenges, and their love gives them strength—soon, their son Phoenix is born. Meanwhile, Varbanov establishes the “Textile” specialty at the Academy of Arts, where he teaches textile composition and painting. Here, he starts exploring his interests and talent by working with fabrics, carpets, and tapestries, transforming them into abstract sketches, models, and installations.

While Marin proves himself in the arts, Song increasingly reveals her talent as a woman with excellent communication skills, a marketing approach, and a clear vision.

Success and recognition quickly follow, opening up new opportunities. Varbanov begins organizing exhibitions, and the contacts and interest in his textile interpretations lead to the opening of a small studio in Paris. There, his work catches the eye of Pierre Cardin. The fashion icon paves the way and presents Varbanov’s creations in New York.

Song and Wan in Sofia, photo from the personal archive of Boryana Varbanova.

Meanwhile, Song’s family is rehabilitated, and together with Varbanov, they return to China, welcomed with interest and new opportunities. On a local level, Varbanov establishes a Department of Textile Plastics and Tapestries at the Academy of Fine Arts in Hangzhou, where he continues both teaching and developing his innovative style. He skillfully combines Bulgarian techniques and motifs with Chinese traditions. His work with canvases, fabrics, wool, paper, and other materials finds expression in multi-meter installations that become part of the most treasured cultural heritage in modern Chinese history.

Interactive multimedia experience at the Ekimova House, Oryahovo. An exciting and engaging presentation of the life and work of Marin Varbanov and Song Huai-Kuei. The attraction is permanent and open for group visits. Photo: Dunav Ultra.

On her part, Song expands her managerial skills and ambitiously oversees both Varbanov’s exhibitions and her own projects, leveraging her connections in elite circles. “Madame” Song opens the luxurious restaurant “Maxim”—part of Pierre Cardin’s chain—where Hollywood and European stars gather to help modernize the perception of China’s cultural identity. Party leaders, cultural figures, national celebrities, as well as communist party administrators, begin wearing Pierre Cardin’s suits, and Song becomes the business face of Pierre Cardin in vast China.

As Van and Song’s careers soar to incredible heights, both leave this world within a few short years. Varbanov is first diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, leading to his untimely death at just 56 years old. Ten years later, Song also passes away from the same disease.

Marin Varbanov left this world too young, but his vision for textiles, innovative approach, and fusion of traditional techniques elevated his work to entirely new dimensions. His creative processes intertwined bold innovation, experimentation, and tradition, transforming his experimental pieces from static 2D images into captivating 3D spatial forms.

Explore archival photos of Varbanov’s experimental works at the Textile Institute in Hangzhou.

The Wisdom of Silence ТУК
Perpetuum Mobile IV – ТУК
Bell – ТУК
Vertical triptych – ТУК
Column Series – ТУК
Marin Varbanov with His Chinese Students – ТУК

During his dynamic creative process, Varbanov established a school and worked with students and colleagues who later became some of the most influential artists in modern Chinese art. – Gu Wenda, Shi Hui.

During his “Bulgarian” period, some of Varbanov’s most prominent followers are Maria Yosifova, Tsvetana Petrova, Evelina Pireva, Mari Draganov, Dimitar Balev, and others.

Today, a department at the China Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing bears Marin Varbanov’s name.

In conclusion, Marin Varbanov will forever remain in the history of Bulgaria as one of the most prominent figures in modern and applied art involving textiles on a global scale. His hometown of Oryahovo can proudly claim its place as the starting point of this incredible story, which has left its mark on both national and global cultural heritage.

You can view the full list of the 100 Dunav Ultra Highlights – 2024 HERE>>

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