Butterflies

The ballet series began in 2010 and culminated in the exhibition

Butterflies // Inside the Shell

in 2023 at Galerie LeRoyer in Toronto.

The Butterfly

oil on canvas // 2023
48x96 in // 122x244 cm

The series continues to evolve to this day

UP // Silvermoon Light V

oil on canvas // 2024
84x60 in // 213x152 cm

Silvermoon Light III

oil on canvas // 2024
60x60 in // 152x152 cm

Silvermoon Light II

oil on canvas // 2023
72x48 in // 183x122 cm

Working closely with ballerinas from the National Opera of Sofia reveals another dimension. In moments of rest, away from the stage, their bodies soften into quiet, fragile poses, reminiscent of butterflies immersed in sleep.

Beneath this fragility lies a concentrated inner strength, shaped by discipline, fatigue, and devotion, held gently within.

For years, Ognian Zekoff has worked on the ballet series, drawn to dance through delicate movement, suspended balance, and the refined curves of the body. Through the slow and demanding process behind each painting, the images emerge gradually, leaving space for recognition and reflection.

What begins as an exploration of grace and lightness evolves into a search for a more intimate, protected space like a shell guarding its precious core.

For years, Ognian Zekoff has worked on the ballet series, drawn to dance through delicate movement, suspended balance, and the refined curves of the body. Through the slow and demanding process behind each painting, the images emerge gradually, leaving space for recognition and reflection.

What begins as an exploration of grace and lightness evolves into a search for a more intimate, protected space, like a shell guarding its precious core.

Working closely with ballerinas from the National Opera of Sofia reveals another dimension. In moments of rest, away from the stage, their bodies soften into quiet, fragile poses, reminiscent of butterflies immersed in sleep.

Beneath this fragility lies a concentrated inner strength, shaped by discipline, fatigue, and devotion, held gently within.

For years, Ognian Zekoff has worked on the ballet series, drawn to dance through delicate movement, suspended balance, and the refined curves of the body. Through the slow and demanding process behind each painting, the images emerge gradually, leaving space for recognition and reflection.

What begins as an exploration of grace and lightness evolves into a search for a more intimate, protected space — like a shell guarding its precious core.

Working closely with ballerinas from the National Opera of Sofia reveals another dimension. In moments of rest, away from the stage, their bodies soften into quiet, fragile poses, reminiscent of butterflies immersed in sleep.

Beneath this fragility lies a concentrated inner strength, shaped by discipline, fatigue, and devotion — a strength held gently within.

two ballerinas putting on their ballet shoes

The Pearl

oil on canvas // 2023
60x72 in // 152x183 cm

The Pearl III

oil on canvas // 2023
60x60 in // 152x152 cm

The Pearl II

oil on canvas // 2023
60x72 in // 152x183 cm

The Pearl II

oil on canvas // 2023
60x72 in // 152x183 cm

The Pearl

oil on canvas // 2023
60x72 in // 152x183 cm

The Pearl III

oil on canvas // 2023
60x60 in // 152x152 cm

The Dream Keeper

oil on canvas // 2023
72x54 in // 183x137 cm

The Dream Keeper

oil on canvas // 2023
72x54 in // 183x137 cm

UP // Silvermoon Light V
oil on canvas // 2024 84x60 in // 213x152 cm

UP

oil on canvas // 2024
84x60 in // 213x152 cm

Does the seashell suffer
when the pearl is born within it?

Does the butterfly endure
its long metamorphosis?

Nested in darkness,
do they dream?

Can such a moment
be held?