2020 and 2021 were different, because they were marked by the global coronavirus pandemic. The fight against Covid-19, the constant increase in the number of coronavirus-related deaths, the fear of survival or complete ignorance about the spread of the virus have been on the agenda. In this sense, it is quite difficult to name a certain event that marked this year. Here is what Bulgarian photographers who capture important moments from our daily lives said:

“The emergence of Covid-19 vaccines and the vaccination process have been the most significant events in Bulgaria this year- Vihren Georgiev points out. - The wrapping of Paris’s Arch of Triumph has also been a major event. This gave us cause for pride, because the whole world was talking about our country. Elections, which put an end to a long government that caused a standstill, were another important event in Bulgaria.”

For the first time since the beginning of the democratic changes in Bulgaria in 1989, voters were called upon to exercise their constitutional right to vote at three Parliamentary elections- in April, July and November. The last general elections coincided with the Presidential elections. The comments on the political processes in the country have become an integral part of TV and radio broadcasts.

A year full of political events is a challenge for every journalist. However, photographers can take their time and take a detailed look at the photos of each event in order to store the most impressive ones in their archives.

Photographer Veselin Borishev selected the most eloquent moments of 2020 in a photo book-album named “Oh, do you remember, Madam?” Veselin will do the same with the thousands of photos taken in 2021. The words he uses to describe 2021 are devoid of optimism, yet they sound sincere and realistic:

“In my view, nothing good has happened this year. Death is the word of 2021. This has been happening against the backdrop of the political circuses at the 45th and the 46th National Assemblies. Moreover, we continue to witness political circuses, which is ridiculous against the backdrop of the pandemic scar left on people.”

Photographer Borishev admits that it takes him a lot of time to select the photos for his albums or for an online publication and added that the grotesque image of politicians is purposefully sought out.

“Irony, personal attitude and mockery have limits. However, I am the one who determines these limits, because the photos are mine- Veselin Borishev contends.- If you don’t show personal attitude, your photo would merely depict people dressed in costumes who are communicating or speaking. Unfortunately, most photos are exactly of this type. ”

What are our expectations for the New Year at the end of a two-year period filled with political and social turbulence?

Photographer Vihren Georgiev is still looking for an answer. However, he believes that the world needs to go through these changes and there is no room for despair.

“People should love each other and be more empathetic. We should not succumb to selfishness. We need to communicate, without seeking benefits, showing hatred or confronting each other”.
 

English version: Kostadin Atanasov