Tbilisi Art Fair expands to host more artists, galleries for second edition

Dozens of galleries, artists, curators and other professionals will come together in the Georgian capital this spring for displays, networking and talks at the second Tbilisi Art Fair.

The event, which marked a successful launch in 2018 and was named among five “under-the-radar” fairs to visit this year by TheArtGorgeous, will again look to be a calendar date of regional significance.

Organisers plan to involve over 30 visual arts galleries while also offering creatives an opportunity to be featured in solo displays.

The Hive section of the fair allows a group of selected artists to be highlighted at the event. Photo: Tbilisi Art Fair.

The latter will come in The Hive, a section where 35 artists picked from open call applications will be introduced to audiences.

The Hive [was] conceived in reference to the low-cost studios for young and penniless artists launched in early 20th century Paris, that housed such talents as Alexander Archipenko, Ossip Zadkine, Chagall, Fernand Léger, Jacques Lipchitz, Max Jacob, Soutine, Delaunay, Modigliani, Brâncuși...,” organisers pointed out.

Beside shows designed to highlight works by established and emerging creatives, the fair will also be a place for art professionals to share their experiences and related subjects through talks.

A visitor views work exhibited at the 2018 edition. Photo: Tbilisi Art Fair.

Young visitors of the TAF will also have a programme of activities to look forward to as tours, “hands-on masterclasses” and exhibitions for kids are included in the range of events.

Founded by Kaha Gvelesiani and directed by Eric Schlosser, the fair is held with focus on the “underrepresented” emerging scenes of the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 8,000 visitors entering fairgrounds over four days of its 2018 edition, organisers hosted galleries and artists from 15 countries for their displays and meetings.

The 2019 Tbilisi Art Fair will be open for visitors between 17-19 May.