Tbilisi silk scarf exhibition underlines Georgia’s role in the Silk Road

Unique silk scarves made from artist sketches are being exhibited in Tbilisi's Dimitri Shevardnadze National Gallery next week in a display highlighting Georgia's historic geographical position on the Silk Road route.

Organisers said the February 12 exhibition would exhibit nearly 50 examples of unique scarf designs from a collection from the famous Maeght Gallery in Paris, France.

The scarves were based on sketches by prominent artists from all parts of the globe. The display aimed to strengthen cultural relations between the countries involved.

A sketch for a scarf by American artist Alexander Calder from a collection of the Maeght Gallery. Photo by Georgian National Museum.

The Maeght Gallery owned "one of the largest collections of paintings, sculptures and graphic works" by some of the most celebrated 20th Century artists.

The Tbilisi exhibition will also include a master class led by a representative of the Maeght family of art collectors.

The exhibition in Georgia’s capital is generating interest from local and international art industry players. One of the guests expected to visit the exhibition will be president Cedric Brochier of the Brochier Soieries Silk Factory of Lyon, France.

The Maeght Gallery opened in Paris in 1946 by late French art collector Aime Maeght. It was associated with the Marguerite and Aime Maeght Foundation and established by the art patron and his wife in 1964.

The Tbilisi exhibition will run until February 23.