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This article spotlights the distinguished Georgian artist, Merab Kopaleishvili, whose journey into art began in early childhood, sparked by a fascination with a single art pencil from Czech Republic. Despite his daily routine working long hours at a market, Kopaleishvili’s passion for creativity never wanes, with his inspiration drawn from the realities of life, much like the works of Virginia Woolf.
Art historian Kote Bolkvadze highlights Kopaleishvili's unique style, which revitalizes modernist art within the Georgian context. His work blends elements from Mexican muralism, Soviet mosaics, primitivism, and neorealism, creating a dialogue between sculpture and painting. The artist's realistic, yet emotionally charged compositions reflect a deep understanding of both the spiritual and inanimate worlds.
Kopaleishvili's recent works primarily feature oil paintings from the 1990s to the 2000s, characterized by a blend of Soviet monumental art and Tbilisi painting school influences. His paintings often explore biblical and mythological themes, utilizing a naïve style with thick textures and a nuanced interplay of light and shadow.
In addition to painting, Kopaleishvili is renowned for his sculptures, particularly those crafted using the papier-mâché technique. After an early career in theater, he returned to this medium in the 2000s, creating surreal and kitschy figures with a painterly drive. His sculptures are distinguished by their colorful, naïve forms and the incorporation of decorative details like synthetic porcelain and stones.
This article delves into Merab Kopaleishvili's artistic journey, exploring his creative process, inspiration, and the evolution of his distinct style in both painting and sculpture.
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Publishing and Concept: Thea Goguadze (Tea Nili)
Editor-in-Chief: Mariam Shergelashvili
Text by Art Historian: Kote Bolkvadze
Design: Irina Kacharava - iStudio
Translation and Editing: Ketevan Uchaneishvili
Cover: Merab Kopaleishvili
