ZE GAVLENA #2 : DRAWING 

 

• Modern art in Tbilisi
• Georgian contemporary artists
• Gender dynamics in art
• Lia Bagrationi artwork
• Merab Gugunashvili ceramics and textiles

"Exploring the Modern Art Scene in Tbilisi"

This article delves into the vibrant modern art scene in Tbilisi, highlighting influential artists and innovative galleries. It provides insights into how contemporary Georgian art is evolving and gaining international recognition.

Tamuna Melikishvili addresses two pivotal questions: What significance do graphics hold for her? And, do artists possess a distinct geographical identity?

Quote: 

“Graphics would be the pillar, the driving force and the energy that the conception is based on. Later, color is added to it as an emotional plentitude.” – Tamuna Melikisshvili

“It is impossible to constrain an artist in any border, especially georgraphical. Genetics has its own layer - it shows modesty, proportional fractions, color intensitu…” -  Tamuna Melikishvili

“Contemporary Art in Post-Soviet Georgia”

This article examines the evolution of the art scene in Georgia since the collapse of the Soviet Union. It highlights the key artists and movements that have shaped contemporary Georgian art. Founder of the 70s generation modern graphic school, and the President of the Graphic Design Association, Tamaz Varvariadze talks about the main characteristics of the development of Georgian graphic art in the historical process.

Quote: 

“Graphics of the 70s, Soviet traces can be observed here, more in an administrative sense, which was demonstrated in the selective principles where theme and ideology were important.” – Tamaz Varvariadze

“Being an artist needs to be your personal choice. Talent is not enough, nothing will be possible unless you work hard.” – Tamaz Varvariadze.

Old Masters: Sergo Kobuladze

The book “Unknown Sergo Kobuladze” significantly advances the research of Georgian art history. This original project focuses on inventorying the cultural heritage preserved in the workshop of Sergo Kobuladze, a renowned Georgian People’s artist.

The workshop reflects Kobuladze's multifaceted personality, showcasing him as a son, parent, scholar, artist, and teacher. His distinguished role in Georgian fine art history is particularly highlighted. The book features multifigured compositions, sketches for book illustrations, and designs for sceneries and costumes, many of which are published for the first time. Additionally, it includes various sketches and polygraph imprints previously unknown or forgotten by society, such as sketches for Gori station, festive decorations of the bridge, sportswear for the Youth Olympic Games, and the curtain for the Georgian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Tbilisi named after Zakaria Paliashvili.

Emerging Artist Salome Devadze : Body of the Graphic and The Freedom of Feeling

This article expresses Salome Devadze’s, young emerging artist’s, emotional condition, capturing the contemporary rhythm of life. With many years dedicated to studying body and facial structures, she seeks to find beauty in everyone and everything. Believing that every feature carries its own emotion, she emphasizes that our body movements reflect our individuality. Through her art, she endeavors to convey these nuanced expressions and the unique essence of each person.

Quote: 

“Among different art forms, graphics portrays the form with a visual language of lines, spots, striped elements and countours.” – Mariam Shergelashvili

“I discovered that through my art I was creating an idealistic Frankenstein for myself, which expressed my spiritual and physical world through biological condition.” – Salome devadze.

 “Graphics plays an important role in my works. Even though I try to learn to portray my intentions with colors, more ofthen than not I use only a couple of them.” – Ekaterine Totladze. 

Full Episode

Ze-Gavlena concept author and Editor-in-Chief: Thea Goguadze

Design: Irina Kacharava (I-studio)

Cover: Tamuna Melikishvili