Lilian Shtereva, born and raised in Bulgaria, is a New York City – based artist. Her work investigates the simultaneous impermanence and tenacity of the natural world, while referencing her personal history and interest in tradition of embroidery and fabric work in Eastern European culture. Sewing and embroidery act to transfer the artist’s intention and energy into the cloth in prayers of “well-wishes” and “protection”, honoring the reliance on and reverence for nature. 

The artist’s processes and tools include sewing, mending, embroidering, fabrics, textiles, yarn, metallic thread, dry pigments, oil and acrylic paint, and pastels.

Education

2022 Hunter College, BA Studio Art, New York City, USA

2015 St. Cyril and St. Methodius Academy of Fine Arts, AA Fine Arts, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Awards

2020   The Artists + Activist Grant, The Soze Foundation

2019 Define American Immigrant Artist Fellowship, Define American, California

2019  International Artist Workshop, Mana Contemporary, led by Antonio Murado, Video reportage 

Artist Residencies

2023 Winslow House, Artist Residency Program, Vallejo, California, USA

2022  Noce Fresca International Artist Residency Program, Sardinia, Italy

2022  Walkaway House Artist Residency Program, North Adams, Massachusetts, USA

Exhibitions

2022  Group exhibition, Did you too see it, Drifting, All night, on the Black River, Ely Center of Contemporary Art, New Haven, CT

2022  Group exhibition, Terrarium, Ice Cream Social, Port Chester, NY

2021  Group exhibition, Invoking the Amphibian, ZXY Gallery, Brooklyn, NY

2021  Group exhibition, Fragments, Milcon Gallery, Brooklyn, NY

2021  Group exhibition, Markings, Isadore & Dunn, Brooklyn, NY

2020  Group exhibition, If You Like This, You’ll Love That, Collar Works,Troy, NY

2019  Group show, No Voice Hush’d, Womxn Art and Punk Festival, Brooklyn, NY

Publications

2021  Bri Bruce Productions, Humana Obscura (Spring/Summer 2021)

2020  Bri Bruce Productions, Humana Obscura (Fall/Winter 2020)