Socialism for everyone!

Disclaimer: I know nothing of Bulgaria’s history of The War or Communism or Socialism or the time under kings or the change into a Republic. I am learning although it still all gets jumbled and confused.  I had a fine education, but I have never been in the midst of history in the way that my colleagues or the professors here have been.  So, when I write that I am drawn to socialist sculpture- the scale, the rough finish among the finely chiseled crease of the pants or nose line- aesthetically, I find it appealing, that’s all. I have always liked representations of those at work. Degas’ dancers are just women in a company, rehearsing and practicing. I like images of workers.  I am a fan of Muenier’s work: a Flemmish painter and sculpture who told the story of the miner and his struggle. Therefore, if I am insensitive, it is out of ignorance, not malice.  Now that this is out of the way, I went to the Museum of Socialist Art today. I took a Bulgarian with me, Julij, to explain everything. There was a massive sculpture garden, where most of the pictures below come from. Inside there are more sculptures but also paintings and drawings.  It is quite complete.  In a small room that also houses the gift shop, outside of the main building, is a plasma flat screen that shows maybe a 15min. loop of some propaganda film.