The Girl with the Black Cat II Painting by Liliya Nikolova

This painting symbolizes the balance between stillness and movement. The figure remains motionless, while the open, visible brushstrokes and the multi-layered color fields are in motion.

Cool blues and turquoises define the atmosphere, while warm pinks and skin tones create a sense of intimacy. The black cat acts as a calm, grounding element, reinforcing the quiet presence of the moment. Closeness, protection, and stillness are not explicitly depicted, but rather conveyed through posture, color harmony, and rhythm.

Liliya Nikolova is a painter with extensive training in Bulgaria and Germany. Her work embodies a deeply intuitive approach, embracing the female gaze to explore themes of authenticity and inner truth. Prioritizing intuition over structured planning, Nikolova’s paintings emerge freely from a powerful fusion of emotion and spontaneous composition. Her creations capture the spirit of independence and tranquility, offering viewers a glimpse into an inner world marked by sincerity and the intensity of the present moment. Through her authentic style, Nikolova’s works resonate with a profound sense of inner contentment, inviting reflection on the beauty of stillness and self-discovery. She exhibited internationally and is still active today.

1976
Born in Bulgaria

Since 1999
Working as a freelance artist

Since 2001
Living and working in Bielefeld, Germany

Education

1995 - 2000:
Studied painting under Prof. Terziev at the Academy of Arts in V. Turnovo, Bulgaria
Degree: Master of Arts (M.A.)

2004 - 2012
Studied design at FH Bielefeld, Germany
Degree: Diploma in Design (FH)

Solo and Group Exhibitions and Representations

2025
Weite und Nähe, Kogge, Spiekeroog, Germany
2025
Kuboshow, Herne, Germany
2025
4 Blickwinkel - Serpil-Neuhaus-Galerie, Gütersloh, Germany
2025
Nähe und Distanz - Donnart Art Gallery, Bad Rothenfelde, Germany
2023
Female Gaze / Concept - Bielefeld, Germany
2023
New works / Galerie K43 - Hannover, Germany
2022
New works / Galerie IROK - Horst, Netherlands
2021
New works / Galerie Nettels - Münster, Germany
2018
Landscape / Art Galerie Nessebar - Nessebar, Bulgaria
2002
Dance / Art School / Atelier Krammer - Löhne Wstf., Germany
1998
New works / Art Gallery Rafael Michailov - Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria