Design: Made in Georgia

Five Georgian designers launched a modest exhibition showcasing locally made products at the ‘Forum by New Light’ venue.

An abundance of lights, creative design work, handmade wooden objects and a positive atmosphere were met at the three-day exhibition, which opened on March 21.

The event was dedicated to the Day of Light, which is celebrated on March 25 each year.

From handmade furniture and accessories to a variety of lights, the objects on display were varied but all had one thing in common - they were created by Georgian designers and made in Georgia.

The five Georgian designers’ work was shown on a desk that showcased their unique and interesting talents. Some found creative way to recycle old items that turned garbage into useful items suitable to display inside your home.

The designers gained inspiration for their work in a variety of ways, from old, unused items, a medical cabinet and a soviet metal table to environmental problems and more.

Made by Georgian Designers

Georgian architect Gela Chachua created an unusual light fixture from parts of a damaged, antique car. Combining the manual gearbox with a kitchen faucet, he created the light switch that turned on and off the device.

Lightening device designed by Gela Chachua. Photo by Irinka Andreeva.

Chachua, 26, focused his time on designing buildings and interior design. Currently, he is hosting lectures at Georgia’s Technical University in the Architecture faculty. In terms of designing light devices, he is novice and has created just 10 works in this field.

Lightening device designed by Gela Chachua. Photo by Mikheil Pitiurishvili.

Designer Gigi Gvalia presented handmade wooden light fixtures, which were made from natural wood, leather and metal. His work featured large antique Edison bulbs with the purpose of supplying electricity but also having a heating effect. Having it at home, Gvalia relished the feeling of exclusivity.

Designer Gigi Gvalia showing his creation. Photo by N.Alavidze. 

Wooden Luster with Edison's Bulbs designed by Gigi Gvalia. Photo by N.Alavidze

Another Georgian artist, Gigi Gvalia graduated from Tbilisi Academy of Art and later, the London University of Art. Since 2009 he established own design studio named ‘Gigi Gvalia Design’.

Exhibition work created by Ia Kutateladze was described as "functional lighting pieces suitable for various interior spaces”. Her wooden track floor lamp was inspired by industrial track lights, which were made of metal. The materials used were altered from metal to wood and the shape of the shade was returned to its origin of basic track lights.

Exhibition stand by designer Ia Kutateladze. Photo by N. Alavidze.

Kutateladze’s work, titled Bowlly, was also showcased at the exhibition. The piece was described as a multifunctional side-table suitable for any imaginable space. She said the rotatable and removable bowls were inspired by vintage medical cabinets. If the object was placed in the kitchen it could hold spices, or it would be a perfect place to put flowers in the living room.

Designer Ia Kutateladze sitting near "Bowlly". Photo by N.Alavidze.

Kutateladze began her creative career with an Interior and Product Design course in Florence. Since 2009 she has worked in Georgia to exclusively design furniture and lighting devices. She has also participated in the ‘Salone Satelite’ exhibition.

An elegant wooden table with a 'Malbrett' mirror with a green light fixture and flower pots was displayed in the exhibition by designer Anuka Tavartkiladze. It was her first attempt at manufacturing furniture.

"Malbrett" mirror designed by Anuka Tavartkiladze. Photo by N.Alavidze

As a qualified architect, Tavartkiladze graduated from Tbilisi Academy of Art and Florence Institute of Design International. She worked at the Mosulishvili and Co architect firm. About 12 months ago she began designing of lighting devices and furniture.

Exhibition stand by Georgian company Designbureau. Photo by N.Alavidze.

Work created by Georgian company Designbureau also featured in the exhibition. The company was composed by three young women who creatively aimed to introduce modern technologies in Georgia. Nia Mgaloblishvili, Ia Liparteliani and Sopio Shevardnadze presented unique and exceptional projects, including an original mirrored table, at the exhibition.

Iron luster my by Designbureau. Photo by N.Alavidze.

The trio gained international recognition in design and were awarded with a European Award at the International Property Awards in London.