Svetlin Rusev

Svetlin Rusev Valchev (1933–2021) was a Bulgarian artist, public figure, academician, and member of parliament. He graduated from the N. Pavlovich Art Institute in 1959 and became a professor in 1975. Member of the Bulgarian Communist Party since 1971, chairman of the Union of Bulgarian Artists (1973–1985), and director of the National Art Gallery (1985–1988). Member of parliament in various National Assemblies until 1989 and member of the Supreme Council of the Bulgarian Socialist Party in 1990.

Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences since 2003 and winner of numerous awards, including the Dimitrov Prize and the Gabriel Olivier Award - Monaco. Author of important monumental works such as the murals "Homeland" and "Bulgaria" in Sofia. His works are exhibited in galleries and collections in Bulgaria and around the world.