The “Silent Revolt” of Georgian Female Artists
From December 2 to 5, Reach Art Visual hosted a thematic exhibition in Tbilisi titled “In Her View: The ‘Silent Revolt’ of Georgian Women Artists.” The event was organized in partnership with the Civil Council on Defense and Security and the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law, with support from the German Federal Foreign Office. This initiative was part of a year-long project focused on the role of women in fostering peace and security.
The exhibition showcased Georgian female artists, highlighting their distinct artistic identities shaped by dramatic historical upheavals. From the Parisian avant-garde and émigré life abroad to the ideological constraints and repressions of the Soviet era, these women pursued creative freedom with unwavering resolve.
The exhibition showcased remarkable Georgian women artists, such as Vera Paghava and her explorations in 1920s Paris; Elene Akhvlediani and Anna Shalikashvili from her “plein-airists” group; Elene Tulashvili and Lonitsa Chichinadze from the 1960s generation; and contemporary artist Lia Bagrationi, whose modern perspectives added depth to the retrospective. The exhibition showcased a rich intergenerational dialogue among these women, emphasizing a continuous thread of creative inquiry and innovation. Framed as a “silent revolt,” their works elevated female voices within a wider cultural context.
Curator Mariam Shergelashvili chose the landscape genre as a central theme to convey their stories, as their works defy simple categorization and challenge traditional stereotypes. Shergelashvili noted that the landscape genre provided these artists with an escape from the constraints of Soviet ideology. In her words:
“The landscape genre serves as a unifying element, examining its importance as a space of introspection. For these artists, landscapes transcend physical representation, becoming powerful metaphors for identity, resilience, and freedom. The focus on the ‘female gaze’ reclaims this genre from ideological narratives, highlighting its ability to challenge, subvert, and transform.”
The event featured Lonitsa Chichinadze and Lia Bagrationi, who also offered their insights to the audience. While Lia Bagrationi is a prominent contemporary artist, Lonitsa Chichinadze—a member of Georgia’s 1960s artistic generation—has recently been rediscovered.
Despite a few well-known figures, many Georgian women artists from the early 20th century and the Soviet period remain largely overlooked. Reach Art Visual aims to continue its work by delving deeper into museum archives and private collections to uncover more hidden names. The ultimate goal is to address the enduring question: Where are the women?
