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.