Preslav Kostov (b. 1998, Bulgaria) is a London-based artist whose work explores the intricacies of identity and perception. Rooted in automatism, his paintings unfold through a cumulative process of introspection and reflection on past observations.
Engaging with the formal language and palette of the Old Masters, Kostov constructs imagined scenes that suggest unearthed narratives rather than depict them directly. His compositions embrace ambiguity over resolution—reflecting, echoing, and quietly unsettling.
Drawing from the tradition of genre painting, he eschews linear storytelling in favour of a psychological documentary—one that captures states of mind rather than moments in time. Hovering between the familiar and the unplaceable, his work speaks to the enduring complexity of human experience.
He is a recipient of The Elizabeth Greenshields Award (2021 & 2023).
SOLO SHOWS
Between the five wells - Tara Downs Gallery, New York, USA (2024)
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Esther Art Fair - Tara Downs, New York (2025)
Felix Art Fair - Tara Downs, Los Angeles (2025)
NADA Miami - Tara Downs, Miami (2024)
Notes toward a shell - Tara Downs Gallery, New York, USA (2024)
Softer, Softest - Guts Gallery, London, U.K. (2024)
Beauty in chaos - Hew Hood Gallery, London, U.K. (2024)
The Arcadian Dream - Spurs Gallery, Beijing, China (2024)
The sum of our parts - Swivel Gallery, New York, USA (2024)
ArtSG - Gallery Vacancy, Singapore (2024)
New Now - Guts Gallery, London, U.K. (2023)
Manifest - SixtySix London, London, U.K. (2023)
Touch-a-touch-a-touch-me - Berntson Bhattacharjee Gallery, London, U.K. (2023)
From The Cloud - Baert Gallery, Los Angeles, USA (2023)
Skin Deep - Studio West Gallery, London, U.K. (2023)
A consciousness harnessed to flesh - D contemporary, London, U.K. (2023)
Now introducing 2022 - Studio West Gallery, London, U.K. (2022)
”Proserpina” duo show with Henry Baker - Apiary Studios, London, U.K. (2022)
EDUCATION
Royal College of Art (2021 - 2023)
Leeds Arts University (2017 - 2020)
Royal Drawing School (2016 - 2017)