Emzari Kiknavelidze: Georgian-Born Painter Whose Odesa Life Shaped His Lyrical Genre Scenes
Born on August 1, 1964, in Zestafoni, Georgia, Emzari Kiknavelidze initially studied sculpture at the M. Toyadze Art School in Tbilisi before moving on to architecture at the Institute of Architecture from 1986 to 1991. His artistic creations showcase a fusion of Georgian and Odesa influences, focusing on lyrical genre scenes that portray everyday life and its inhabitants. With cartoonish figures and vivid colors, his paintings often humorously illustrate common professions. Kiknavelidze attributes his artistic inspiration to the unique ambiance of Odesa, which he believes has significantly influenced his creative evolution. His style draws comparisons to that of artists Fernando Botero and Beryl Cook, who share a similar approach in their work.
Key facts
- Emzari Kiknavelidze was born on August 1st 1964 in Zestafoni, western Georgia
- He studied sculpture for four years at the M. Toyadze Art School in Tbilisi, starting at age fifteen
- He studied architecture at the Institute of Architecture in Tbilisi from 1986 to 1991
- He remained in Georgia until 1986, then moved to the Ukrainian city of Odesa, where he still lives
- His paintings are described as lyrical genre works emphasising people, relationships, everyday life and expressive imagery
- His figures are cartoon-like rather than realistic, often with extended comical dimensions, with clothing and vivid colour noticed first
- He cites Odesa's atmosphere and aura as central to his creative process
- His figurative work has been compared to that of Fernando Botero and Beryl Cook
Entities
Artists
- Emzari Kiknavelidze
- Fernando Botero
- Beryl Cook
Institutions
- M. Toyadze Art School
- Institute of Architecture in Tbilisi
Locations
- Zestafoni
- Georgia
- Tbilisi
- Odesa
- Ukraine