The international outreach of Masterworks has taken a decidedly different step forward with the choice of Vladimir Stan as their latest Artist in Residence.

Born in the communist dictatorship of Bulgaria where he was imprisoned for his political beliefs, he eventually managed to leave the country in 1986 and, precious visa in hand, make his way to Paris -- and to increasing fame.

"I made several attempts to leave Bulgaria,'' he told The Royal Gazette , but got stopped at the border. When I reached France I was given the status of political refugee.'' "We are very happy to have Vladimir here in Bermuda,'' said Masterworks' Elise Outerbridge. "First, he is an abstract artist and that's new so far as our artist in residence programme is concerned. All of the others have been English-speaking so we felt it would be especially interesting for a truly international artist to come here. We are very grateful for all the help we've had from Riquette Bonne-Smith who runs Bermuda International House of Languages and has been a God-send to us, and also Linda Wilkinson from American Airlines who sponsored his fare from Paris.'' "I am very happy to be here,'' said Mr. Stan. "It's very different from Paris and I find Bermuda is very much a personal discovery. What strikes me most is the light and I am fascinated by the Island's geographical position and how life here evolved away from the continent. I enjoy being able to watch the sun rise and then see it set at Dockyard. And I love to watch the effect of light on all the vegetation.'' Mr. Stan was `discovered' by Bermuda lawyer Simon Farmer, who brought the artist to the attention of Masterworks, and then worked tirelessly to acquire the necessary permits to allow him to travel to Bermuda. When Mr. Farmer left the Island, Mrs. Bonne-Smith took over as the artist's `shepherd' -- and, as Mr. Stan speaks no English, acts as his translator (and did so for this interview).

Although Vladimir Stan started painting when he was about five-years-old (and then "never stopped'') he was denied the chance to exhibit in his native Bulgaria because of the political situation. "So my life as a painter really began in Paris. Art is a very risky profession,'' he observed ruefully. "In Paris alone, there are about 60,000 artists. The competition is enormous. But I live in Montparnasse and find Paris is the best place to work. It's so inspiring -- not just for me but for many people. It has a great impact on my work because it's a city that stimulates activity. Yes,'' he agreed, "Bermuda is very different! When I was young, I used to love to go off and paint landscapes but since I was in Paris my favourite theme is `man as an individual' so in my paintings, there are no life-like things like trees, and so on, because all of my work is concerned with the human being. Now I am here in Bermuda, I feel a desire to do landscapes again. It's a return to the past, but that's a very good experience. I love the light here, and the colours. It will help me in my future projects.'' In spite of the thousands of artists jostling for attention in the art capital of the world, Mr. Stan seems to have become a distinctive presence. He has exhibited in many prestigious exhibitions, including group shows at Paris's Grand Palais, la Cite des Art, l'Hotel Drouet, the Herouet Gallery, Nouvel Espace Quartier Latin, and the Musee ADZAK. He won first prize at the 25th International Painting Competition of the South of France, and second prize for the Prix du Concours International of Deauville. In 1995 he made the 16mm film `Voyage a Minly'. His paintings have also been exhibited in Strasburg and he was given a one-man show at the Modigliani gallery in Prague.

Explaining that he is "not much'' influenced by contemporary artists, Mr.

Stan admitted to a love of the post-impressionists, such as Van Gogh and Cezanne. "And, of course, Picasso,'' he added with a laugh. "I think there is a little bit of Picasso lingering in my work but the motive, as an artist, is to find oneself, define oneself -- and there's always that search for oneself in the quest of painting. It never leaves you.'' Stressing that he is anxious to meet other artists and to contribute to the artistic life of Bermuda while he is here, Mr. Stan said he has already met several "which is great, because I like to see what they are doing. I have to say that I am very touched by all the kindness shown me in Bermuda -- especially in Dockyard!'' Expressing his deep thanks to Tom Butterfield, Elise Outerbridge, Debbie Harper and everyone at Masterworks for giving him this unique opportunity, Vladimir Stan -- who has already exhibited in the Edinburgh Gallery at the Society of Arts -- said, "This is a wonderful opportunity and I shall never forget this experience. Time passes so quickly in Bermuda but the memory will last for ever.'' Any groups or schools interested in meeting with Vladimir Stan, is asked to contact 234-0701 to arrange workshops or talks.

THE BULGARIAN TOUCH -- An abstract painting by Vladimir Stan, (at right) the Bulgarian painter who is Masterworks' latest Artist in Residence.