Preslav Kostov (b. 1998, Bulgaria) creates paintings that explore the complexities of identity and fragmented memory. Working through automatism, his process is one of excavation—unearthing images from layers of subconscious reflection and past observation. His large-scale compositions draw on the forms and palettes of old master painting, weaving together personal and collective narratives within liminal, dreamlike spaces. Each work becomes a site where instances of violence, doubt, and fleeting resolve intersect, evoking the dissonance and persistence of human experience. Kostov lives and works in London.
He is a recipient of The Elizabeth Greenshields Award (2021 & 2023).
Represented by Tara Downs Gallery (New York)
SOLO SHOWS
Between the five wells - Tara Downs Gallery, New York, USA (2024)
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
Felix LA - 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)