LAS VEGAS – Nevada Humanities presents “Desert Oasis: Passage of Time and Places” by artist Valentin Yordanov – a series of geometrical and abstract artwork reflecting his fascination with travel, tourism, and the duality of globalization, celebrating its allure while exploring its complexities.

This exhibition will be on display from February 6, 2025, through March 26, 2025, at the Nevada Humanities Program Gallery, located at 1017 S. First Street, #190, Las Vegas, NV 89101. In addition, Nevada Humanities will host a reception and artist’s talk with Valentin Yordanov on Thursday, March 6, from 5 to 8 PM, with an artist’s talk at 6 PM. This event is free and open to the public. Visit nevadahumanities.org/calendar to register.

Born in Bulgaria, Yordanov began his career in Europe and has displayed his work in Bulgaria, Romania, and Korea. Yordanov has lived in Las Vegas for more than a decade, and his work has been featured at various notable Las Vegas locations including Meow Wolf, Life Is Beautiful festival, the City of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International, and Nevada State University.  

“I don’t strive to recreate real spaces, but to paint imagined ones that evoke the essences and emotion of a place,” said Valentin Yordanov. “The very idea of this exhibition is that we live in a world with each other, in which it is possible to make connections, create communities, and experience the collision of human innovation and nature’s raw power.”

Drawing inspiration from his passion for travel, architecture, and design, Yordanov’s work delves into themes of urbanization, globalization, and environmental transformation. His paintings serve as visual travelogues, capturing vivid impressions of the locations he visits or envisions. Influenced by maps and urban landscapes, he blends architectural forms, roads, and horizons into striking compositions defined by bold colors, layered shapes, and dynamic lines. Yordanov’s art bridges the energetic pulse of urban life with the timeless beauty of the desert, creating a unique narrative where cities like Las Vegas and natural wonders converge. Through his distinctive style, he documents a world in flux, capturing the intersection of human ingenuity and nature’s grandeur.

“The purpose of the Nevada Humanities Program Gallery is to showcase the work of creative Nevadans and inspire new ways of thinking about Nevada,” said Christina Barr, Executive Director of Nevada Humanities. “Through his work, Valentin Yordanov explores many issues of deep relevance to Nevadans. As Las Vegans wrestle with urban growth, Yordanov’s paintings provide fresh ways to understand the tension between the open spaces of the Mojave Desert and our encroaching urban landscapes.”

Viewing hours at the Nevada Humanities Program Gallery are Mondays through Fridays from 1 to 5 pm PT, and until 9 pm PT on the first Friday of the month for First Friday events. Visitors may also make a viewing appointment by contacting Bobbie Ann Howell at bahowell@nevadahumanities.org or 702-800-4670.
ABOUT NEVADA HUMANITIES

Nevada Humanities is one of 56 independent, nonprofit state and jurisdictional humanities councils that partner with the National Endowment for the Humanities. With offices in Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada Humanities creates public cultural programs and supports public cultural projects statewide that define the Nevada experience and facilitate the exploration of issues that matter to the people of Nevada and their communities. For more information about Nevada Humanities visit nevadahumanities.org.

Contact: Bobbie Ann Howell, Nevada Humanities Program Manager,
702-800-4670,
bahowell@nevadahumanities.org

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Media Inquiries: Allison Monette, allison@cordovacreative.com