# Self-Slaughtering Icons (UPDATE) The Portraits of the Unexpected by Lyubomir Sergeev Take a Stand By Sarah Robson | Published 2012-07-31 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portraits-of-the-unexpected-by-lyubomir-sergeev References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Bulgarian-Icons-The-End-of-History/4583117) & [sergeevstudio](http://sergeevstudio.com/) The Bulgarian Icons by Lyubomir Sergeev are interesting portraits of princes, poets, monks, kings, freedom fighters, soldiers and ghans with weapons pointed towards their own bodies. Lyubomir's idea behind these captures is politically charged, and he shows his disheartened opinion about the present state of Bulgaria. Lyubomir Sergeev created these pictures to tell the story of Bulgarian history that he believes has been gradually wrecking itself through politics, misconduct and corruption. These photos represent the fight and protest against modern-day Bulgaria, and look at the country with disappointment. This opinionated piece depicts the end of history, and captures unexpected [portraits of Bulgarian icons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color). Lyubomir Sergeev is a creative photographer from Sofia, Bulgaria, who specializes in [photo manipulation, conceptual photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1), advertising and art direction. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Media](https://www.trendhunter.com/media) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Politically Charged Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for artists to use their work as a platform for expressing political opinions and sparking societal change. - **Historical Critique:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for photographers to capture unexpected and thought-provoking portraits that challenge traditional narratives of history. - **Conceptual Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for photographers to explore new ways of storytelling and evoke powerful emotions through visually striking images. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for artists and photographers to push boundaries and engage viewers in new and provocative ways. - **Political Activism:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for activists and organizations to use art as a tool for raising awareness and influencing public opinion. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for brands to collaborate with artists and photographers to create impactful campaigns that resonate with consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Striking Glass Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Wooden Identity Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity.md) - [Anti-Gender Violence Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antigender-violence-campaign.md) - [Mental Health-Supporting Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-last-photo.md) - [Collectible Historical Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md)