It is my pleasure to introduce Mariam Dolidze, one of the winners from our very first BI Auction Competition for Young Artists, – says Bengü Akçardak Küçük, Co-founder of BI Auction.
“She was a newlywed student when she joined our inaugural competition. To our surprise and admiration, she returned the following year—this time pregnant—and by the third year, she was participating with her young son by her side.
“I’m sure it wasn’t easy, but Mariam has truly demonstrated how art and family can grow side by side. She never paused her career and continues to thrive as an artist.”
GEORGIA TODAY reached out to the artist to learn more.
You won the BI Auction Competition in 2020. What positive developments have occurred in your artistic journey since then? Have any new opportunities arisen—either in Georgia or internationally?
Winning the BI Auction Competition in 2020 was a pivotal moment in my artistic career. It gave me significant visibility within Georgia’s contemporary art scene and opened new doors for creative opportunities.
Since then, I’ve participated in numerous exhibitions both locally and internationally, including online showcases curated by People and Paintings Gallery (USA), art.9hk Gallery (Hong Kong), and most recently, Aedra Fine Arts’ global exhibition “Pearl Space.”
In Georgia, I created a monumental mural for the “Science is Captain” project, organized by the United Nations at Batumi State University. I’ve also contributed to concept-driven exhibitions such as “Remembrance” and “Holocaust Remembrance,” exploring art’s role in collective memory and social reflection.
In 2023, I began my Master’s studies at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, which has deepened my theoretical foundation and helped refine my visual language.
How would you evaluate the state of the art world at the moment?
We are living in a complex yet creatively dynamic time for artists. The global art scene is more interconnected than ever, which gives artists from smaller countries like Georgia the opportunity to engage in international discourse through digital platforms.
However, significant challenges remain—especially for emerging artists—including financial instability, limited institutional support, and sociopolitical pressures. Despite these hurdles, I see a strong wave of resilience and innovation among contemporary artists.
Many are addressing profound social, environmental, and emotional themes, creating work that extends far beyond aesthetics. It’s an inspiring moment—one in which individual voices are not only being heard, but are helping shape the future of art.
Do you have any upcoming projects or events planned for the near future?
Yes! I’ve recently completed my Master’s degree in Fine Arts at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and am now focusing on several exciting projects.
One of them is “Ghani,” a multidisciplinary initiative led by the Tbilisi Architects Association. I’ll be contributing to this project through a visual art piece that explores themes of space, identity, and love as a form of self-inquiry.
Additionally, I’m preparing for a group exhibition that will feature both Georgian and international artists. I’m particularly excited about the collaborative nature of this project, as it aligns with my belief in art as a powerful bridge between personal stories and shared experiences.
Interview by Team GT
