Born Free

Through to October 29, 2023, the National Gallery in Sofia presents the exhibition ‘Born Free’ by Bulgarian journalist and documentary photographer Konstantin Vulkov.

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1977, Vulkov was only fifteen when he hosted his first radio show, as well as realising projects for various Bulgarian newspapers and magazines. Today, he works in both radio and print journalism. He is also currently writing his PhD thesis for Leiden University, focusing on the influence of skateboarding culture on social change and the identity of South African youth.

Organised in collaboration with curator Marieta Tsenova, ‘Born Free’ centres around the same theme – with more than 60 images taken at skate parks in Cape Town, Pretoria, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Manchester, Burgas, and Sofia. The subcultural and political dynamic of skateboarding has undergone a significant transformation: once labeled as rebels and delinquents, skateboarders are increasingly recognised as advocates for social change, community, mutual support, diversity and resilience. Most of the displayed photographs were captured over the past two years, using analogue and digital Leica cameras.