Iskren Lozanov - Fashioning Future Folklore [NX132]

The player is loading ...

Show Notes
Leave a Comment

In this episode of NeedleXChange I interview Iskren Lozanov.

Iskren Lozanov is an embroidery artist living in Ibiza, originally from Bulgaria. He came third in the 3d Textiles category of The 2025 Mr X Stitch Contemporary Needlework Prize and 2nd in the Open Textile Art category in the 2024 Hand & Lock Prize.

We talk about language and identity, Ibiza as a place to make work, and how Iskren Lozanov’s practice moved from fashion into embroidery and sculptural pieces like “Rebirth” and “Veil of Transcendence”, including the research, planning, and labour behind them.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Introduction

00:01:20 - Growing up in Bulgaria and cultural influences

00:05:42 - Moving to Ibiza and what draws him to the island

00:08:56 - Lozanov’s artistic journey from fashion to sculpture and embroidery

00:11:55 - Primitiveness and beauty in Lozanov’s work, blending ancient symbols with contemporary techniques

00:18:27 - The 'Veil of Transcendence' and exploring cultural afterlife symbols

00:23:05 - His experience in art competitions and building confidence

00:24:59 - Navigating social media and creating sustainable art practices

00:34:26 - The impact of learning and personal beliefs on his views of the afterlife

00:37:46 - Techniques inspired by Orthodox and Catholic iconography

Links: