Petar Petrov :: home blog

Yesterday 30/11/2007 we said last good bye to the famous Bulgarian cartoonist Donio Donev, he deceased at the age of 78 in a public nursery-home. An iconic figure in the field of cartoons and hand drawn animations. His art is an reflection of the Bulgarian social culture, rooted deep in folks tales as part of the striking mentality on the Balkans. He is regarded a master of irony, as his stories are prominent for such humorous context. I can assure you that irony is universal as well as twofold. It has two faces, the gay and the grim one. I will probably not exaggerate if I proclaim Donio Donev to be the brightest among his generation of comedians. A generation which managed to humor us by twisting reality through the spin of a skillful irony. I do admire their devotion in trying to elevate people’s life from bearable to enjoyable. He still is in the hearts of many people, regarded as the sole face of the national cartoon scene for decades.

Few years ago I was hunted by an idea to come up with genuine game design of his most famous character(s) “Тримата Глупаци” (The Three Fools/Three Stupid Friends). I also remember a friend of mine noting that I should go speak with him in person and that probably I don’t have much time. Well… not me, but anyway she was right. If I go now, I might face some shallow minded and greedy relatives. Still will keep a note to myself:)

At least I will make a free style translation of the article, published in the Bulgarian National Televison BNT web site. Massive respect for which. Links provided after. I cut the very beginning and afford myself some frivolity at the end.

[ Donio Donev is reagrded as “the man animation” and recognized as the father of “ The Three Fools” by the guild of cartoonists. Hardly can anyone miss the topic of Bulgarian Animation without mentioning the ironic smile of their author. He has more than 100 cartoon movies behind his back “Joke”,”The Target”, and “Hamlet” among many. Donio Donev is often called “Academic Donev”, by friends, and is self proclaimed as “The prime fool of the Nation”. This often sad but mocking-bird was an advocate of Irony. He preached, it is because men’s heart has no wrinkles that I continue to paint in keen wit and smiles about our brother the fool, the unconscious wiseman.

Even after being physically subdued by periods of illness, in the last few years, did he ever stop drawing. He did not surrender till the last moment and continued working on caricatures, which he dedicated to the people in the hospital he resided last. He is widely recognized by countless awards and honors, still he felt the need to even speak loud. The bitter years of the Democratic transition period in the Country had left him no choice but to defend the truth verbally. Shortly after his “(communist) National Security File “ popped open speculations started to brew, but it was always his sense of humor that surfaced on top. “The satire can never replace the pubic prosecutor” he used to say.

Only once you have been able to draw whats repulsive with smile can you appreciate whats funny in any absurd and wired situation. So did Donio Donev, he respected truth in life and often used to say “My Everest is just a cinema saloon full of smiles”. By no surprise he even had produced imaginary cartoons of his own funereal processing. “I believe only in me and I wait for him, up there, to come and take my soul”, loyal to his style till the end. I hope the bright image of this knight defender and interpreter of laughter never fades away.]

Links:

Novinite.com (ENG) Article - http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=88020

NEWS.BG (BG) Article = http://news.ibox.bg/news/id_615546704

BNT Article (BG) = http://news.bnt.bg/content/view/full/206400

BNT Video (BG) = http://news.bnt.bg/content/view/video/(news)/206400

~ by spesho on November 30, 2007.