With each new season comes the chance to discover a fresh voice in Georgia’s thriving art scene—someone whose work speaks not just to the eye, but to the spirit. This time, we’re delighted to introduce Mariam Odishvili, a young Georgian artist whose calm, introspective energy radiates through her diverse body of work.
“She has a unique ability to reflect her beauty and tranquility through her artworks,” says Bengü Akçardak Küçük, Co-Founder of BI Auction, “yet she constantly surprises us with new experiences in different artistic areas.”
We sat down with Mariam to learn more about her journey—from the transformative impact of winning the BI Auction Competition in 2022 to the exciting international projects that lie ahead.
You were the BI Auction Competition winner in 2022. How has your artistic journey evolved since then?
Winning the BI Auction Competition was a truly special moment for me. It wasn’t just a competition—it felt like a turning point. One of my most meaningful works was sold during the auction, and that moment gave me both visibility and confidence. It reassured me that I was on the right path.
What made the experience even more impactful was the context—initiatives like BI Auction were (and still are) rare in Georgia. It became more than just a platform for showcasing work; it became a source of motivation and connection for young artists. I’m really grateful for that experience and proud to have been part of it over several years.
Since then, my journey has expanded in many directions. I’ve participated in group exhibitions in Lithuania, as well as Art Paris 2022 and the Tbilisi Art Fair 2024. At home, I had the chance to present two solo exhibitions—Choose A Direction at the Art Palace of Georgia, and another at weseeitems gallery.
One very personal highlight was illustrating my first children’s book, written by Linor Shaul, which was published in the United States this year. It opened a new door for me creatively—connecting with younger audiences and exploring a different kind of storytelling.
Around the same time, I started exploring the world of curating. For me, curating is another way of making art. It allows me to create space for dialogue, build connections between artists, and shape shared visions. My first experience in this area was as a cultural mediator at the European Cultural Centre in Venice. It gave me hands-on experience with international exhibitions, artist support, and audience engagement.
That experience eventually led me to become a curator at weseeitems gallery, and earlier this year, I coordinated my fourth curatorial project—a photo exhibition in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania to Georgia. That project was another reminder of how powerful art can be as a bridge—between people, cultures, and ideas.
How do you view the current state of art and artists today?
I think the art scene right now is both exciting and demanding. In Georgia, there’s an incredible amount of creativity and energy. It’s encouraging to see a growing international interest in Georgian artists and exhibitions.
But the reality is, many challenges still exist. Artists often face limited resources, infrastructure gaps, and not enough international exposure. That’s why community support is so crucial. One of the things I truly value about our art scene is how much we look out for one another—there’s a strong sense of solidarity.
Of course, institutional support also plays a big role. More involvement from the government, cultural foundations, and sponsors could open up so many more opportunities for artists here. Long-term, sustainable support systems would allow more of our work to reach broader audiences and have a deeper impact.
I deeply believe that art and culture are essential to Georgia’s identity. They help preserve who we are while connecting us with the world around us. Cultural initiatives foster dialogue, exchange, and growth—not just for artists, but for society as a whole. When we invest in art, we’re investing in a more thoughtful, open, and connected future.
What’s coming up next for you?
I’m really looking forward to participating in the SWAB Art Fair in Barcelona in 2025. I’ll be presenting my work with weseeitems from October 2nd to 5th, alongside two incredibly talented Georgian artists. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share my art in an international setting and connect with a broader audience.
Later this year, I also have a project in Paris, which I’m very excited about—but I’ll have to keep some of the details under wraps for now!
By Team GT
