See Alexander Zhyvotkov’s work of ’living media’ at the National Gallery

A month-long display featuring works by Ukrainian contemporary artist Alexander Zhyvotkov will explore images created via natural material at Tbilisi’s National Gallery starting on Friday.

Cardboard. Wood. Stone is an exhibition bringing together over 50 creations by Zhyvotkov over the last five years.

The personal display will involve the first showcase of the project in its full form, hosted at the venue by the Georgian National Museum (GNM) and Stedley Art Foundation.

Some of Zhyvotkov's exhibits set for the display at the National Gallery. Photo: Georgian National Museum.

Known for his work using living media like soot and charred wood, Zhyvotkov’s artistic interest includes early Christian catacomb art, Tibetan manuscripts and Georgian metal chasing.

A release by GNM also said the artist’s work involved "eons of European and Eastern culture separated in time and space”.

The National Gallery display will highlight the series Roads, Kyiv. 2014, Motherboard, Variations in Stone and Vengeance Is Mine.

The visiting artist will bring his signature of natural materials to the exhibition. Photo: Georgian National Museum.

Their author has spoken about his relation to Georgia, noting the influence of the country’s culture on his work:

I came into my own as an artist long before I discovered Georgia, but wood and stone entered my art as a direct result [—] It happened when I came to know the country's ancient and dynamic culture”, said the artist.

Zhyvotkov has exhibited at venues including White Space of the Kiev-based Stedley Art Foundation and KRUG Art Gallery in Wheeling, the United States.

Cardboard. Wood. Stone will host visitors at the Dimitri Shevardnadze National Gallery, located on Rustaveli Avenue, through February 25.