After a lethargic summer season in the art world, the advent of early fall is energizing art circles in Sofia. A sign of this enlivenment is the opening of new galleries, which will offer a refuge for both artists and admirers of their art.

Viking Gallery, which opened in late August, intends to exhibit only contemporary modern art. The small gallery welcomed its first artist, prominent American abstract painter Mark Zimmermann, on August 28.

"I think that we had a very good start with the exhibition of Mark Zimmermann because his name is very popular with admirers of abstract art," said the gallery's art manager Daniela Shishmanova. "I hope that in the future the gallery will manage to keep the same high level of artists."

Zimmermann has exhibited 17 canvases - six large and 11 small. The works are entitled Deep River and create an abstract horizontal space enriched by warm nuances of blue, green, pink and orange. Each work presents a composition of differently coloured horizontal lines.

The Deep River series is delicately arranged on the light yellow walls of the gallery and brings a sense of tranquility to the viewer.

Shishmanova, who is an expert on contemporary Bulgarian art, said she decided to invite Zimmermann to the gallery because she has liked the artist's works and philosophy since she first saw his material. "I am convinced that anyone who admires abstractionism will take great pleasure in going deep into Zimmermann's world. I also think the exhibition will be interesting for people who are not that interested in abstract art but are not afraid of challenges," she said. "After all, the great mission of art was to teach people tolerance, openness to the world and how to be good individuals," she added.

Zimmermann's water colours will be on display until September 28. The next event at Viking Gallery will be "very realistic and in great contrast with Zimmermann's abstract works," according to the art manager. At the beginning of October viewers will be able to see photos of nudes and portraits in Petar Yankulov's art photography exhibition.

"Good art is created by artists who have a clear philosophy of what they want to do and how to do it," said Shishmanova, who has been working in the sphere of art management since 1996. "When a unity is achieved between an artist and a gallery, this creates an interesting product for the public."

Shishmanova believes that the presence of an art manager should always be very discreet because the artists are most important. "Life is short, art is eternal," she said.

Viking Gallery is open every working day from 11am to 6pm. It is situated in the centre of Sofia, at 63 Tsar Simeon St. on the corner of Tsar Simeon St. and Maria Louisa Blvd.