Anamnesis of the Avant-Garde: performance-installations at the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center

On December 8th, the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center in Gabrovo welcomed the next chapter of Anamnesis of the Avant-Garde, a project that stitches together memory and experimentation in a space where history and art collide. Originally conceptualized by Stephan A. Shtereff and introduced during the Center’s opening in October 2023 by artists Ivelina Ivanova and Emilian Gatsov – Elbi, this iteration brought the creative interpretations of Ina Valentinova and Martian Tabakov into the spotlight.

Ina Valentinova reimagined the tactile legacy of the space with her textile triptych Light Patches. Installed on the staircase windows, her fabrics interacted with light, casting vibrant reflections and shadows that resonated with the Center’s history as a place of skill, creativity, and production.


Martian Tabakov’s audio-visual performance, By Prescription, merged musical instruments with found objects from the former Textile Technical School. The resulting soundscapes echoed the mechanical rhythms of industrial labor, blending them with abstract dissonance in a live performance.
The event opened with thoughtful reflections from Margarita Dorovska, who shared insights into the journey of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center, alongside Stephan A. Shtereff, who spoke about the project’s vision and future potential. Pieces from the October installation, including the iconic textile machine sound installation, returned to further connect the threads of past and present, enriching the narrative. The day was a celebration of transformation – of spaces, traditions, and artistic expression. It was an exploration of how the avant-garde persists, not as a relic of nostalgia, but as a dynamic, living force.
//Anamnesis of the Avant-Garde is supported by the Ministry of Culture.
//The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Center’s 2023–2025 program is supported by the America for Bulgaria Foundation.