Page 41 - Winter Issue

Your artistic journey began in Tbilisi, Georgia, but you’ve traveled and exhibited globally. How has your
Georgian heritage influenced your creative perspective, and how have your international experiences
shaped your work?
My journey into painting began during an era when the official education system was saturated with the propaganda of
socialist realism. Despite the circumstances at the time, teachers at the Academy of Arts (to whom I express my great
gratitude) were able to introduce us to the innovations in contemporary art.
Fairy tales and imaginative depth are central to your art. Can you share how these themes first became
significant to you, and how they continue to evolve in your work?
In my opinion, fairy tales and mythological themes are relevant for all ages, and their language, artistically speaking, is a
ticket to another dimension.
Your time in Japan had a profound impact on your artistic style. How did the culture, materials like Washi
paper, or artistic traditions of Japan influence your approach to creating?
I believe Japan is a country with truly unique traditions. For artists, it offers a fascinating opportunity to expand their
creativity and explore their artistic vision from a fresh perspective. The influence of Japanese culture may not be
immediately visible in my work, but I can confidently say that this experience has profoundly and positively impacted my
profession, particularly my form of expression.
You’ve worked with a range of materials, from oil paints to mixed media and Japanese Washi paper. What
drives your material choices, and how do they contribute to the storytelling in your pieces?
In art, nuances are of great importance to me. Often, for me, the material is perceived as a creative co-author and it
determines the final result of the work. It is worth noting that working on a Japanese Washi paper was a very pleasant
and interesting experience for me.
Coquette - Oil on canvas, 70x100cm, 2006

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