Georgian, foreign artists set for display on festive season

Five Georgian and foreign artists are teaming up in Tbilisi later this week to invite art enthusiasts for a display themed after New Year’s Eve and festive celebration.

Involving artwork in varied media, the exhibition Before will look to convey artist impressions on festive New Year’s Eve preparations.

Through installation, video, sound and performance the event will see four distinct works curated by Nana Kirmelashvili of the Art Caucasus Association.

Artist and fashion designer Ria Keburia and Moscow-based artist Djemma Sattar will present their collaboration The Tree of Fortune.

Photographer Mari Ataneli will be featured at the display with her project Sniff Art, while Painter and designer Uta Bekaia will present his work on chichilaki, a traditional folk version of Christmas tree from Georgia’s west.

Russian-based artist Rudolf Ter-Oganezov will round off the roster of artists for the exhibition with his work on the subject of final moments of the year.

Organisers said in preview of the opening the event would revolve around "the countdown of the notional final minute before midnight, [seen] as the symbol of the outgoing year”.

Their description of the event’s themes also said it would feature "colours of Christmas tree decorations and participating performers [appearing] as illustration of footpaths of life”.

Beside artistic creations, visitors of the event will also be treated to Georgian wine and tea.

Hosted by Ria Keburia Gallery and the Art Caucasus Association, Before will be open at Artarea Gallery on Friday evening.