Fondation Beyeler Exhibition Recontextualizes Niko Pirosmani Beyond Colonial Narratives

The 'Niko Pirosmani' exhibition at Fondation Beyeler in Basel ran from 17 September 2023 to 28 January 2024, featuring around fifty pieces by the Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani (1862–1918), many of which had not been displayed outside Georgia before. Curated by Daniel Baumann, the exhibition sought to rethink the romanticized views of Pirosmani, often referred to as the 'Rousseau of the Caucasus.' Previously shown at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark from 4 May to 20 August 2023, it also included works by contemporary artists Thea Djordjadze and Andro Wekua. A catalogue with contributions from art historians, including Nana Kipiani, was published. The event was graced by the presence of then-President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, and examined Pirosmani's impact in light of modern Georgia's sociopolitical landscape.