Bulgaria is famous as Europe's "land of roses" and the Bulgarian rose yields a powerful essential oil.

A Bulgarian Art Week opening tomorrow at Shanghai Times Square offers an opportunity for people to get to know about contemporary Bulgarian culture.

The event, running through May 31, features 50 paintings by Kristina Thomsen and a miniature Bulgarian rose garden by Biofresh Cosmetics.

The event is organized by the Consulate General of Bulgaria and Shanghai Times Square.

Artist Thomsen began to paint at an early age, graduated from art school, worked in animated films and later returned to fine art.

Her works, bathed in color, are bold and smooth at the same time. They are displayed in "Nudes," "Soul and Matter," "Adam and Eve" and "Collages." Her style ranges from academic to experimental, using new textures, media and materials.

Half the proceeds of the painting sales will be donated to a migrant workers' training program of the Shanghai Charity Foundation and to the Rotary Club of Shanghai, according to Cathy Hau, deputy director of Shanghai Times Square.

Bulgaria is famous as Europe's "land of roses" and the Bulgarian rose yields a powerful essential oil that is fragrant, calming and purifying - the liquid gold of Bulgaria. Favorable climate, soil and organic agriculture yields high-quality oil.

Biofresh, the top cosmetic brand using Bulgarian rose, presents a small indoor garden of roses and displays natural rose oils, handmade rose soap and natural rose skin care products. Bulgarian music, wine and yogurt are on offer.

Bulgarian Art Week brings Bulgarian culture to the city and celebrates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and China this year.

Date: May 22-31, 10am-10pm

Venue: 2/F, Shanghai Times Square, 99 Huaihai Rd M.

Admission: Free

Tel: 6391-0691

(Shanghai Daily May 21, 2009)