Giorgi Gaioz Kotrikadze (1915–2005) was a prominent Georgian artist whose work explored themes of Soviet-era cultural exchange and urban landscapes. His Cuban series, created in the 1960s, stands as one of his most distinctive achievements, capturing the vibrant essence of Havana through a socialist lens. Primarily using felt-tip pen on paper and incorporating mixed media elements, Kotrikadze portrayed Havana’s sunlit streets with minimalist figures and buildings, employing a unique style that evokes the energy of a maritime city.
The Cuban series reflects the Soviet Union’s close ties with Cuba at the time, a relationship that influenced many Georgian artists. Kotrikadze’s work even echoes the cinematic feel of Mikhail Kalatozov’s film I Am Cuba (1964), giving a haunting yet evocative glimpse into Havana’s streets. Notably, according to family accounts, Fidel Castro personally invited Kotrikadze to work in Cuba during a visit to Georgia, adding an important historical layer to this series. Kotrikadze’s Cuban series will soon be available on the website, inviting viewers to explore his unique perspective on Havana shaped by artistic and political connections of the era.
“His depiction of Havana’s energy, as reflected in the ‘partitioned enamel’ buildings and ever-moving seascape, resonates with a ‘perspective reminiscent of Mikhail Kalatozov’s iconic film I Am Cuba.’”
– Konstantine Bolkvadze
Art Historian
