Ilian Rachov is born in Sofia - Bulgaria.
He starts his artistic career in 1988.
At first he realizescopies of medieval orthodox icons and frescos.
After years of working he re-discovered ancient now forgotten techniques of gilding methods and how to engrave after the golden backgrounds of the icons.
Later this helps him to develop his own personal style in the iconography field with the unique colour’s harmony and perfect decorations of his works.
This makes him very popular in Bulgaria and also outside the borders ,upbringing him many estimators and followers.

Lot of the Ilian's icons and oil paintings are properties of many Museums and churches in Bulgaria, Germany and Italy:

• The Rila Monastery in Bulgaria
• The St.George church in Sofia,Bulgaria
• The Monastery of St.Menas in Sofia,Bulgaria
• The Preobrajen Monastery in Bulgaria
• The Curch of St.Petka in Petrich,Bulgaria
• The St.Eliah in Sofia,Bulgaria
• The Church Sacro cuore of The International Salesian's Institute in Turin,Italy
• The Curch of St.Nicandro di Bari in Italy
• The Curch of The Salesians in Turin
• The Church of The Vatican Embassy in Sofia,Bulgaria
• The Church of Mary La Consolata in Turin,Italy
• The Church of St.Rita in Turin,Italy
• The Historical MUSEUM of Chiprovzi in Bulgaria
• The Ethnographic MUSEUM of Hamburg in Germany

and also of many privat Collections in:

 Rome,Vatican,Palermo,Milan,New York,Chicago,Miami,Los Angeles,San Francisco,Paris,Strasburg,Hamburg,Berlin,Frankfurt,
London,Madrid,Barcelona,Caracas,Tokyo,Moskow,Sofia,Plovdiv,Turin..

Ilian has partecipated in 12 exhibitions in Hamburg,Germany,realized thanks to the Honorary Consul of Bulgaria - Proff.Dott.Imeyer and his wife Mrs.Petra Imeyer.
In all of this shows Ilian did alive demonstrations of his Art and of the special techniques to paint an icon.

Since 2003 Ilian Rachov collaborate with VERSACE and VERSACE Home Collection ,designing mostly of their baroque style ornamental designs used for prints on scarves ,fabrics ,clothes ,cushions ,lamps and bed spreads of the famous VERSACE Home Signature.

In 1996 for his unique colour combinations of his art works he receives the DECORATION ,according to which ,"The Icons painted by Ilian Rachov show an esthetic and wealthy effect".
In 1996 he paints on wood "The Angel of Peace and Freedom" for the "Nikola & Latina Tanev Foundation in Chicago,U.S.A.
In 1997 he confers the Prize "Golden Phenomenon of Bulgaria" for his contribute to the Bulgarian figurative Arts.
In 1997 he participates with live show at the Icon Exhibition in Alstertall Einkauf Zentrum in Hamburg,Germany.
He shows also some of his works in two exhibitions in the Ethnographic Museum in Hamburg,Germany.
In 1998 he is invited again in Hamburg from the Ethnographic Museum to show his works there. In Alstertall Einkaufszentrum he organized for the second time the Icon Exhibition with live show.
In 1999 from the President department of Bulgaria he received the commission to execute two portraits in classical style of the First Lady of Bulgaria - Mrs.Antonina Stojanova.
In 1999 he is invited again in Hamburg to show his icons and to organize again the Icon Exhibition in the Ethnographical Museum and Alstertall Einkaufszentrum.
In 2000 Ilian received from the Mons.Antonio Mennini - Vatican Ambassador in Sofia the commission to create in case of "The Jubillee 2000" a big painting representing The Holy Lamb of God for the ceiling of the Church in the Embassy.
In 2000 he realize again several shows in Germany.
In 2000 Ilian moves to live in Italy - the most artistic country in Europe.He decides to stay at moment in Turin - the old capital of Italy.Here he discover the beauty of the old baroque style ,which will influences much to his later works.
In 2001 he paints the first icon in Byzantine style of St.John Bosco for the church of the Salesian's Order in Turin,Italy.
For the same Order he executes also a big oil painting now in Aula Magna of the International Salesian's Institute in Turin.
He continues to make shows in Germany and to participate in several exhibitions in Italy.
In 2002 he executes the big wall-painting on the altar wall in the Salesian's Church in Crocetta,Turin in Italy.The fresco represents the Holy Trinity of the Old Testament.
In 2002 Ilian paint also a big icon of The Dormition Of The Virgin for Mons.Auza - secretary of the Vatican City.
In 2002 he is again in Germany for the Yearly Icon Exhibition.
In 2003 he paints numerous icons and paintings for many privat collectors and istitutions.
He is one of the Artists presented on the International Art Show in Villa Amoreti in Turin,Italy.
In 2003 Ilian executes his first designer's projects for VERSACE.They were later printed on the cushions,lamps,bed spreads of the VERSACE Home Collection and over the scarves and fabrics for VERSACE Collezione Donna.
In 2004  he starts to teaching in courses for old techniques of egg tempera painting.
In 2005 he realized many works for Versace Home Collection and VERSACE.Some of his designs ware shown in the annual show “Salone del Mobile” in Milan.They could be seen also on the official website of VERSACE Home Collection : www.versacehomecollection.com
In 2005 he paints also numerous paintings in oil and icons for many private collectors and for some churches in Italy.
In 2005 The British Royal Mail realized a Christmas Stamps very limited edition with one of his icons.
In 2006 his works are shown in the Exhibition “CALEIDOSCOPIO” in “Gallery Crispi” in Rome.
He continue to create designs for VERSACE and to execute icons and oils for customers all around the globe.
  
Some of his works are published in:

“MORGEN POST”
“HAMBURGER ABENDSBLATT”
“LA STAMPA”
“TOP ART”
“ADAM”
“TORINO SETTE”
“VESTNIK ZA ZARJA”

His official website is : WWW.ILIANRACHOV.COM
His studio is in Turin,  47,Via Cassini.
For contact,please mail to: ilianrachov@yahoo.com,ilian1970@libero.it
Or phone: +39 32853 73 550,+39 011764 0859