Patara Gallery is currently showcasing Vato Bakradze’s audacious solo exhibition, ‘Goalpost of Nature,’ which runs from August 3 to August 30, 2024. This exhibition is an evocative exploration of nature and human-made constructs, blending conceptual rigor with striking visual elements. While the gallery is open for viewings inside by appointment, the installation itself can be observed from the outside 24/7.
Redefining Boundaries: The Conceptual Framework
Vato Bakradze’s ‘Goalpost of Nature’ draws its conceptual roots from Iakob Gogebashvili’s 1868 book, Door of Nature. The exhibition’s title and thematic exploration hinge on the duality of nature and artificial constructs. In Georgian, the term for “door” and “goalpost” is identical, a linguistic nuance Bakradze leverages to juxtapose the organic and the man-made.
This conceptual duality manifests through a monumental installation resembling a football goalpost, crafted from cardboard sheets. This work not only echoes the gallery’s architectural features — its slanted walls and ceiling — but also creates a visual parallel with the large, angled banners seen in sports stadiums. This design choice underscores the tension and dialogue between the natural and the constructed, inviting viewers to reconsider their relationship with both.
Architectural Synergy: Exhibition Design and Space Integration
Patara Gallery is situated in a vivid underground passage near Vake Park, offering a unique and atmospheric setting for art. While visitors need to schedule an appointment with the gallery administrators to view the exhibition from within, the installation is accessible 24/7 from the outside. This allows passersby to experience the exhibition at any time of day or night, blending the gallery’s artistic offerings seamlessly into the daily life of the city.
The installation’s design reflects a profound engagement with Patara Gallery’s spatial characteristics. The inclined surfaces of the cardboard goalpost align with the gallery’s slanted architecture, creating a harmonious yet dynamic interplay between the art and its environment. This thoughtful integration highlights Bakradze’s acute awareness of spatial dynamics, transforming the gallery into an extension of his artistic vision.
The rough, urban texture of the cardboard surfaces contrasts with the sleek, reflective properties of Bakradze’s collages, which are prominently displayed on the inclined planes of the installation. This interplay between textures enhances the visual complexity of the exhibition, drawing viewers into a multi-dimensional experience that reflects both the physical and conceptual layers of the work.
Collage Innovations: Technique and Texture
Central to ‘Goalpost of Nature’ are Bakradze’s collages, which utilize adhesive tape to create a layered, painterly effect. This technique introduces a modern twist to traditional collage practices, with the reflective quality of the tape paralleling the varnish found on classical paintings. This not only adds a glossy, tactile dimension to the works, but also challenges viewers’ perceptions, making the artworks both visually and conceptually dense.
The collages’ use of adhesive tape as a primary medium reflects Bakradze’s innovative approach to materiality. By integrating tape as a visible element of the composition, the artist creates a dialogue between the layers of imagery and the surface texture, resulting in a distinctive and engaging visual experience.
Artist Profile: Vato Bakradze’s Artistic Trajectory
Vato Bakradze, born in 1998, is an emerging talent with a robust academic background. A graduate of the Visual Arts, Architecture, and Design School (VA[A]DS) at Free University, Bakradze furthered his studies at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti (NABA) in Milan and Chelsea College of Arts in London. ‘Goalpost of Nature’ represents a significant milestone in Bakradze’s career, marking his first solo exhibition outside an academic setting.
This exhibition not only showcases Bakradze’s technical and conceptual abilities, but also establishes him as a significant figure in the contemporary art scene. His innovative use of materials and spatial awareness position him at the forefront of a new wave of artists exploring the intersections of natural and artificial elements.
Curatorial Vision and Institutional Support
Curated by Gvantsa Jishkariani, ‘Goalpost of Nature’ benefits from a nuanced curatorial approach that emphasizes the thematic and spatial integration of Bakradze’s work. Supported by Tbilisi City Hall, the exhibition exemplifies the gallery’s commitment to fostering innovative artistic practices and engaging the local community in contemporary art dialogues.
In conclusion, ‘Goalpost of Nature’ at Patara Gallery is a compelling examination of the interplay between nature and human constructs. Vato Bakradze’s bold approach to collage and installation art, combined with the gallery’s supportive and dynamic space, makes this exhibition a notable addition to Tbilisi’s cultural landscape.
By Ivan Nechaev
