Jacko Vassilev
Jacko Vassilev (b. 1951) is a Bulgarian photographer renowned for his poignant black-and-white portraits that chronicle the hardships and humanity of life under communism. Beginning his work in 1972—while Bulgaria was still behind the Iron Curtain—Vassilev used photography as a form of quiet resistance, capturing raw, unfiltered glimpses into the lives of his fellow countrymen. His images reveal the resilience and dignity of individuals living in poverty and marginalization, challenging the idealized narrative promoted by the state.
Despite official disapproval of his work, which was viewed by the communist government as subversive and politically damaging, Vassilev persisted. His studio was once raided, and he was denied a photography diploma until the collapse of the regime in 1990. Following the end of communist rule, he was formally recognized and served as an art photographer for the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to documenting the spirit and struggles of the Bulgarian people, stating, “I really want to preserve all we have in Bulgaria… At least (these photographs are) something that will remain for future generations.”
Vassilev’s photographs are noted for their deep sense of empathy and connection to the subjects—rendered with honesty, respect, and emotional clarity. His portraits are not exploitative but are instead rooted in a profound admiration for the endurance and identity of his community. His aesthetic reflects both a documentary impulse and a humanist tradition, aligning him with the legacy of photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, with whom he later exhibited in Toulouse, France.
Working in silver gelatin prints, Vassilev processes his photographs using authentic Bulgarian Fohar paper in small, limited editions—adding a layer of craftsmanship and historical resonance to his already powerful imagery. His work has been exhibited extensively in Europe and the United States, and he has received numerous awards for his contribution to the photographic arts. A monograph of his work was published by Contrejour, further cementing his place in the international photographic canon.
Jacko Vassilev’s photographs remain a vital record of a nation’s cultural and political landscape during a time of profound repression and transformation. Through his lens, the memory and spirit of Bulgaria endure, preserved for future generations with compassion and unflinching truth.
Photography & Works
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Jacko Vassilev
“Bulgaria Village Turia” Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
A Boy from village Yolievo, with the walking stick of his Grandfather, Kolio, Bugaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
A Boy with his Pet Dog, Town Maglizh Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
A Shepherd with a Lamb, Rumania Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
A Waterboys, Gusmar, Albania Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
A Young Boy with a Bundle of Wheat in his Hands, Albania Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Albanian Boys on the Road Earth, Rigaj, Albania Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Asen with Hoe, Village Yagoda, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Atanas Zahariev by the Window with his Children, Sahrane, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Boyko with Violin of his Grandfather, Sofia, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Cooperative Women from Village Racovitca, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Cry of Freedom, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Eliesku with Duckling Pet, Village Luous, Romania Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Gypsies from Village Yagoda with Dancing Bears, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Gypsy Boy from Vil. Vetrn, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Gypsy Homeless Children, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Hungry For Love III, Fort Collins Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Macedonian Shepherds by Melnic Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Mother with her Son by Town Velingrad, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Old Man with a Pitch Fork Carrying Bundle Thorn for Fencing his Shepherd House Yard, Delvine, Albania Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Panaiot Sinderov, The Librarian, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Shepherd with a Flock from Village Zmeychar, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Shepherd with the Flock in Golden “S”, Bulgaria Add to cart -
Jacko Vassilev
Sick Man Carrying a Healthy Man, Bulgaria Add to cart