Until 24 August the lovers of nature and exoticism are welcome to enjoy the exhibition Antarctica, the Frosty South at the National Natural History Museum. The display is on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of the museum. The author of the exhibition is leading Bulgarian photographer Iglika Trifonova. Icy natural marvels, breathtaking landscapes, exotic and absolutely cute local inhabitants: seals, penguins, birds - all this beauty can be seen at the display. In fact, it is a charity event: the charities raised from the sale of photographs will be used to create special educational programs at the museum targeted at pupils and based on multimedia devices.

Iglika Trifonovahas joined Bulgarian Antarctic expeditions twice - in 2006 and in 2012. There she has served as photographer but also as member of the team of biologists. She is member of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute, Vice President of the international Association of Polar Early Career Scientists and Chairperson of its Bulgarian section.

Iglika Trifonovabecame keen on the Icy Continent while listening to the true stories of Bulgaria's foremost polar scientist, Prof. Hristo Pimpirev. She tried to save money for the trip, and finally drew a bank loan to be able to go to the journey. "It took me five years to repay the loan, but I've never regretted my choice for even a second because the experience was amazing, and I found friends for life there”, Iglika told Radio Bulgaria.

"Antarctica is inspiration. Even today, in Bulgaria or elsewhere in the world, I carry Antarctica in my heart. Anytime I see it on television or on the internet, my heart gallops. Prof. Pimpirev often says that Antarctica is a virus. If you have been there once, you are infected for life and love it with an infinite love. Both times I was there it was very hard for me to leave. I hope to pass on this sensation to other people through my photographs.”

Iglika Trifonovaargues that on the Icy Continent humans live in an ideal community, just like a family, absolutely supportive of each other. Money doesn't matter there. When there is trouble, everybody comes over to help. One other thing that she finds amazing is the pristine nature where animals have no fear of humans. "We go to a place with thousands of penguins. Little penguins come to us, knock their beaks on our legs to say hello and know no fear at all. And mind you, the sensation of not being any threat to them is just fantastic”, the photographer exclaims.

How does she see the future of Antarctica?

"Its future is up to us, because we have to preserve it the way it is. Unfortunately tourist services have grown aggressively. An increasing number of tourists opt for liners that pollute the ocean. We studied human impact on the animal world. The animals become fewer every other year, because tourists bring to them viruses and bacteria from across the world. Antarctica is a place void of viruses and bacteria and animals there live in a sterile environment. So I mean the future is up to our care. For this reason we have founded in Bulgaria the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists which is in fact the youth organization of the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute. Our main goal is to work for promoting environmental education programs. We visit many schools in the country and try to explain to the kids that they have to safeguard the nature of their own country to be able to protect Antarctica too.”

Iglika loves to take pictures of the Icy Continent and its aborigines. „As far as seals are concerned I found out that they have quite different faces and express different emotions. So, I have made a few animal portraits. Also, I was very impressed to notice that the transparent ice close to the Bulgarian base glitters like diamond. To me these are the polar diamonds that are very beautiful. Of course, I have photographed a lot of natural scenery. For instance, The Eye of God. This is a very rare phenomenon when the sun breaks through thick clouds and its rays merge with the ocean like speedy arrows. It is amazing to watch. Overall, I was lucky to capture great sights on my two trips to Antarctica.”

English: Daniela Konstantinova