Tbilisi Art Fair Showcases Georgian Artists and Regional Heritage
The fifth Tbilisi Art Fair ran from May 21 to 24 at Expo Georgia, featuring over 30 galleries from Georgia and nearby countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. Highlights of the fair included Levan Mindiashvili’s installation, which drew inspiration from Georgian architecture and its alphabet. Off-site, Saba Khechoshvili showcased architectural sketches, and Mari Makharoblishvili exhibited works related to online searches in Georgia. The event had a political edge, with European flags and anti-Russia sentiments visible. LGBT+ rights were also a focal point, especially with a new law against 'LGBTQ propaganda' coming in 2024. The ReWoven project was displayed in a shared space with a mosque and synagogue. Other featured artists included Karlo Kacharava and Denis Darzacq. The Anagi Art Foundation launched last year, while the Kvareli Foundation is set to debut this year.
Key facts
- Tbilisi Art Fair's fifth edition held 21-24 May at Expo Georgia.
- Over 30 galleries represented, focusing on Georgian and regional artists.
- Levan Mindiashvili's installation based on traditional Georgian circular homes.
- Installation features 'mother pillar' and evolution of Georgian alphabet.
- 'Chaos junk space' group show included Saba Khechoshvili's works.
- Mari Makharoblishvili's work references Georgia's unique alphabet and late keyword searches.
- Anka Bochorishvili's drawings depict gardens behind Russian border.
- ReWoven project preserves rug weaving with Azerbaijani communities in Georgia.
- Exhibition held in church that also houses a mosque and synagogue.
- Karlo Kacharava exhibition at LC Quiesser gallery; artist died in 1994 at age 30.
- Denis Darzacq's photography projected at Rooms Hotel.
- Anagi Art Foundation opened in 2025; Kvareli Foundation opening in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Levan Mindiashvili
- Saba Khechoshvili
- Mari Makharoblishvili
- Anka Bochorishvili
- Karlo Kacharava
- Denis Darzacq
Institutions
- Tbilisi Art Fair
- Expo Georgia
- LC Quiesser gallery
- Tbilisi Photography & Multimedia Museum
- Rooms Hotel
- Anagi Art Foundation
- Kvareli Foundation
- ReWoven
Locations
- Tbilisi
- Georgia
- London
- New York
- Paris
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Ukraine
- Kyrgyzstan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
- Kazakhstan
- Turkmenistan
- Russia