site.btaSix-Metre Dandelion Installations to Adorn Veliko Tarnovo

The medieval Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo (North Central Bulgaria) will welcome spring with six-metre dandelions. The chrome-nickel installations by sculptor Denislav Sirakov depicting delicate dandelion puffballs just about to be blown by the wind, will be scattered at key locations in the city, including one in front of the medieval fortress of Tsarevets, the artist told BTA.

The dandelions will be put on location just before March 22, the Day of Tarnovo when it also welcomes spring. Each “plant” is five-six metres tall and consists of 1,300 parts, the sculptor says. The beauty and delicacy of the dandelions will be complemented by lighting with changing hues.

The dandelion installations are a commission by Veliko Tarnovo Municipality. A fourth installation, this time consisting of four dandelion puffballs and a grasshopper, will be placed at a crossing on the main Sofia-Varna route through Veliko Tarnovo.

The dandelion symbolizes faith, creation and good, and legend has it that whoever touches it sees his dreams come true, Sirakov says. 

He is at the stage of assembling the dandelions and will begin to install them around March 20.

Sculptor Denislav Sirakov graduated in sculpture from the St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo. He has had several solo exhibitions and has participated in the restoration and making of landmark monuments.