Tbilisi through the eyes of painter Vakho Bugadze

Georgian artist Vakho Bugadze has taken a step back in time to relive his childhood memories, filled with fantasies and excitement, and has put these thoughts onto canvas for public appreciation.

Up to 70 paintings by the 52-year-old recounting his abstract childhood memories are going on display this week in a public exhibition at the Dimitri Shevardnadze National Gallery in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi.

The exhibition, titled Suburb, was described by exhibition organisers as a collection of images that follow the theme of the painter’s childhood memories of Tbilisi, created between 2013 and 2015.

"Vakho Bugadze visualises the memories transformed over time with deft alternation of specially selected texture, watercolour, pigment and oil,” said exhibition organisers on the event’s Facebook page.

[The exhibition] is connected to his childhood memories - the contour of the same building sunk in the twilight appears nearly on every canvas. This is the childhood icon of the major life event, when a little boy suddenly moved from the miniature old Tbilisi district to completely different urban environment which was overlaid with the memories and fantasies.” 

This will be the first time Bugadze has returned to the gallery in two years. 

Known for his work in painting, drawing and sculpture, Bugadze has painted iconic local locations including the old Tbilisi districts and the former hippodrome of the city. 

Born in 1964, he graduated from faculties of Applied Arts and Sculpture at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts.

Over the years his work has been showcased at personal exhibitions in Georgia and as part of various sculpture symposiums in Europe.

The exhibition at the National Gallery will open its doors at 7pm on September 10 and continue for one month. The museum is located on Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi.