Delcho Mihajlov

OF THE NEWEST CARICATURE DRAWINGS BY DELCHO MIHAJLOV

Delcho Mihajlov is presented in retrospect, as well as through his newest large format caricatures. He draws his works in a strict (geometrical) style, at the same time colouring them so as to “soften” the sculptural form and to create a specific “atmosphere” conforming to the central tone of the message. His works are recognized by the established system of expressive features and standardised characters, which represent certain states of different human characteristics and moods.
The expressive features of his works lie in the stylisation of the subject, in the strict linear and tonal gradation, but also in solving the abstract and figurative background, as well as in the reduced “in depth” plans and spatial foreshortening. Delcho Mihajlov aspires to unite the elements of a simplified and thoughtful composition with the complexity of the message. His works synthesise one or more themes leading to the central message.
The author draws ideas from the social reality, as well as from the current global events. However, the final version sees general meanings and symbols attributed to concrete matters.
Initially, Delcho Mihajlov’s works uncover slowly. Nevertheless, they are lucid and easily comprehensible, and the whole of different symbols creates an effect of fictive suggestion. This approach contains the possibility of retaining some secretive features, as well as the ambiguity of the message. Thus, this concept requires careful analysis of detail, whereas the understanding is proportionate to the time of reading the message.
This approach, based on the mass of information (experience from cartoons, film and architecture), as well as the merging of one or more subjects, motivate the viewer to contemplate. The viewer should clarify the meaning of the satirical or comic drawing which involves a game of proportion and caricature. Thus, the viewer finds the answer to the riddle individually. Nevertheless, the structure of the composition, containing different levels of complexity and allusion, directly appeals to fantasy as well as to the general knowledge of the explorer, who on the other hand regards each new work as a challenge.
Delcho Mihajlov’s ideas and inspiration for his caricatures originate from different artistic examples, as well as historical circumstances or events from old or new myths. However, he does not directly comment, but strives to attribute content and meaning to general symbols or metaphors. Thus, the central theme of his compositions involves human uniformity and depersonalisation, submissiveness, stupidity, or blindness before the facts of life.
In these caricatures, the individual is part of the anonymous crowd. The persistence of specific facts and states is overcome by the introduction of the element of wit in going beyond the borders of the established pattern.
The author covers themes of the inner, national environment, sometimes approaching international affairs, thus blending the features of both the East and West. According to him, human weakness and prejudice is everywhere. Nevertheless, he does not choose hopelessness as a final solution, but a new chance for humanity through the humorous and satirical. His themes of a “wall”, of a human triangle, or of a “house of cards” acquire social meaning and traits of “human interest”. Thus, Delcho Mihajlov’s caricature drawings signify a unique artistic commentary which is of specific importance and meaning in the art of Macedonian caricature.