Georgian art celebrated in Italy this Easter

The main square of Italian Pietrasanta (Toscana) is set to become the space for an exhibition by Georgian artist Vazha Mikaberidze this Easter.

His egg-shaped sculptures will remain exhibited at Piazza del Duomo unti April 12, 2015, after his exhibition, named N’uovo, is opened by the Mayor of Pietrasanta tomorrow.

Traditionally once in a year the city’s main square hosts an exhibition of contemporary art. In addition, art works which cannot be displayed outside will be presented at the Pietrasanta Cathedral.

This year Catholic Christians celebrate Easter on April 5, so the egg-shaped sculptures of Prasto – Mikaberidze’s artistic name – will symbolise the essence of the holiday.

Prasto's sculpture of film director Sergei Parajanov in central Tbilisi. Photo by Tbilisi City Hall. 

Born in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, Prasto has lived in Italy for the past 20 years after graduating from Riaci Academy in Florence (1993 – 1995). Before this he studied at the Tbilisi Academy of Arts from 1984 to 1992.

Prasto is also known as the author of the sculpture of prominent Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani in Mirzaani, in Georgia’s Kakheti region, and the sculpture of film director and artist Sergei Parajanov located in downtown Tbilisi at the Bambis Rigi.

Prasto's sculpture of the geat Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani in Mirzaani. Photo by the PM's press office. 

The area of Pietrasanta has long enjoyed the patronage of artists. Pietrasanta grew to importance during the 15th century, mainly due to its connection with marble. Michelangelo was the first sculptor to recognise the beauty of the local stone.