ZE-GAVLENA - In Focus Sculpture

This article explores Arcil Tabagari's artistic journey as a painter, sculptor, and director, highlighting how each medium serves as a means of expression and communication. Tabagari reflects on the challenges of growing up during the Soviet era, where Lenin's image was omnipresent in schools and public spaces. His early passion for visual arts was nurtured during school, where he would draw in class. A pivotal moment in his development came when he discovered Sergo Kobuladze's album, which deeply influenced his fascination with the human body and marked a reawakening in his artistic path.

 

Quote:

 

“Sculpture is a dialogue of space and form” – Archil Tabagari

 

“The sculpture is interesting from the moment when you not only create a figure, but also wrestle with space” – Archil Tabagari

 

“For me sculpture is not a book to tell stories. You only have form and space. With these two components you have to be able to convey your attitude and impressions.” – Archil Tabagari

 

Shaping Light and Soul: Mastery of Iakob Nikoladze in Georgian Sculpture

 

This article discusses Iakob Nikoladze, a key figure in the development of 20th-century Georgian sculpture. Known for his deep psychological and realist approach, Nikoladze's work reflects a modernist perspective on expressing the inner state of a person. He also authored a book detailing his personal insights and theoretical perspectives on sculpture, drawing from his experience working with Rodin. For Nikoladze, light was an essential tool for modeling and shaping his artistic vision.

 

Hybrid Abstractions: Levan Kipshidze's Fusion of Order and Chaos in Modern Georgian Sculpture

 

This article delves into the work of Levan Kipshidze, a prominent figure in the 90s generation of modern Georgian art. Known for his postmodern sculptures crafted from metal, wood, and stone, Kipshidze creates a visual language that blends hybridity, order, and chaos. His work exemplifies the spatial complexity of sculpture, where materials are synthesized into generalized forms that challenge traditional boundaries.

 

This article also highlights contemporary sculpture, with a focus on Gogi Okropiridze, whose work uniquely combines mixed materials and targeted aestheticization. His miniature compositions and various experiments create a cohesive artistic vision. Additionally, the article delves into historical narratives, featuring Botso (Vakhtang) Korisheli—a multifaceted creator who earned international recognition. Originally a musician who founded a symphony orchestra in Morro Bay, Korisheli later dedicated himself to teaching young people in music and sculpture, securing a distinguished place in the global cultural landscape.

 

Quote:

 

“My whole life is about music and sculpture, exchange of thoughs with them.” – Botso Korisheli

 

Monumentalism and chamber in sculpture: The Sculptural Worlds of Elguja Amashikeli and Rusudan Gachechiladze

In this article, the evolution of Georgian sculpture in the 20th century is explored through the works of two significant artists, Elguja Amashikeli and Rusudan Gachechiladze. Sculpture, as an art form, often reflects the character of its era, and in Georgia, this history has emphasized national-heroic themes, particularly in urban development. Elguja Amashikeli is a pivotal figure in this narrative, with his monumental works like the statues of Vakhtang Gorgasali, Mother of Georgia, and Tiger and the Man, remaining integral to the urban landscape of Tbilisi.

While Amashikeli's monolithic and monumental style reflects the grand ambitions of Soviet-era sculpture, the article also highlights a contrasting trend—chamber sculpture, marked by a more intimate and psychological approach. This direction is exemplified in the lesser-known works of Rusudan Gachechiladze, whose art delves into form, personal identity, and human spatial perception, offering a feminine perspective that is both delicate and profound.

 

Qoute:

 

There are bodies – Female and male, but there is another body within us, which is the body only.” – Nodar Topuria

Nodar Topuria's work is characterized by his intricate miniature sculptures crafted from plaster and bronze. His art delves into themes of body and form, human introspection, and the boundary between the conscious and the unconscious. These explorations often lead to the creation of surreal forms, making his sculptures a unique blend of the tangible and the abstract.

 

Key Phrases:

·  20th-century Georgian sculptors

·  Modernist perspective in sculpture

·  Postmodern Georgian sculpture

·  Soviet-era art influence

·  Surreal forms in sculpture

·  Georgian art historical narratives

·  Archil Tabagari artistic journey

·  Iakob Nikoladze Georgian sculpture

·  Levan Kipshidze’s hybrid abstractions

·  Gogi Okropiridze’s contemporary sculpture

·  Elguja Amashukeli monumental sculpture

·  Rusudan Gachechiladze chamber sculpture

·  Georgian art historical narratives

 

Full Episode

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

Editor of this edition: Mariam Shergelashvili

Design: Irina Kacharava (I-studio)

Cover: Elguja Amashukeli