Times are very strange, uncertain, different. In such times, we need of more ‘art’ around us to keep our hearts and minds steady. So after a short break, BI Auction is again working in collaboration with GEORGIA TODAY to introduce Georgian Artists in interviews. This week we met with Maka Zedelashvili.
A multimedia artist with more than 30 years of experience in fine art, Maka Zedelashvili uses diverse techniques and materials to make her ideas more expressive and tangible.
“Despite the challenging social conditions that were an unavoidable reality for children and families in Georgia, my parents supported my dream of becoming an artist,” she tells us. “The years deepening my artistic knowledge, which began at an art college and continued at the Tbilisi Academy of Arts, gave me even greater motivation to immerse myself in painting.”
Tell us about your style and themes.
As a Master of Fine Arts in Digital Modeling, I genuinely enjoy using my experience and access to various techniques to fully utilize possibilities and push boundaries by going beyond the canvas. Possessing technical skills is essential for ensuring the quality of your work; however, what truly matters is the message you want to convey through your art—my artworks mostly explore women’s rights, religious origins, symbolism, existential struggles, and various social discourses. I strive to examine these timeless themes through a contemporary lens to make them engaging for modern audiences.
Have you participated in exhibitions?
Absolutely! I share my work with local and global art lovers through solo exhibitions and collaborations. I have held several solo exhibitions in Georgia, participated in many group exhibitions, and collaborated with other local artists.
My most enjoyable and rewarding experiences are linked to symposiums and residencies outside the country, though, which have allowed me to learn about different cultures and broaden my knowledge by interacting with artists from diverse backgrounds. It was very exciting to participate in such gatherings in Tunisia and Egypt. The cultural differences make an already rich artistic adventure incredibly impressive.
I try to be at the exhibition venue as much as possible while my artworks are on display, although my works travel more than I do. I have happy memories of participating in joint exhibitions in Belgium and Germany in recent years. Viewers also enjoy seeing the artist there with the works they created
How would you describe your work? Which trends in art or important artists had an impact on you?
My work is characterized by my painting techniques and the integration of various methods, such as sculpting, creating installations, and using unique materials and digital mediums. Sometimes, a traditional canvas isn’t sufficient to convey my ideas fully.
While it’s challenging to identify a single person who has significantly influenced my work, I have been fortunate to have inspiring painting teachers during my artistic career.
My efforts in experimenting and trying different techniques make my work unique. In the rapidly evolving environment, the only way to make art relevant is to acknowledge the scale and speed of this expansion, as everything is progressing at a geometric rate.
Name a piece of art you think everyone should see in-person.
That is a tricky question. There is a lot to recommend. One thing that comes to my mind right now is Rogier van der Weyden’s The Descent from the Cross, which is currently housed in the Prado Museum in Madrid. Seeing it in person feels like a frozen moment of raw sorrow and beauty. The figures weep not just with their faces, but with their entire bodies; their grief flowing through every gesture and fold of fabric. The pain in this artwork is almost tangible. You can sense the weight of Christ’s lifeless body, and the shared mourning will give you goosebumps. No photo is capable of delivering such a profound feeling of witnessing something so human and sacred at the same time.
What is your view of the virtual art space, exhibitions, auctions, and sales?
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on digitalization, and everything is growing in our tailoring our daily lives to the digital space, I’m still skeptical about virtual art spaces and exhibitions. That doesn’t mean they’re irrelevant, though- quote the opposite: Soon, they’ll be way more popular. The reason for my skepticism is the limitations we have from a technological perspective on the customer side. For the masses, devices that ensure a high-quality digital experience are not easily accessible.
Conversely, digital sales and auctions are in high demand. In my case, most sales are made online, and many online platforms provide quality intermediary services.
And looking ahead now: any upcoming exhibitions or events?
The Ria Keburia Foundation is hosting my solo exhibition, Echo of the Fall, which opened on February 23 and will continue until March 23. Most of the works were created during my residency. Visitors can see my paintings and installations. The exhibition delves into the profound significance of falling, whether it pertains to the physicality of bodies, the fragileness of emotions, or the complexities of the mind. This exhibition tells the story of a struggle between holding on and letting go in a noisy silence following a fall.
As for upcoming events, in May, I’ll attend the 3rd edition of the Empower Her Art Festival in Egypt, hosted by the Grand Egyptian Museum. There, I will present my artwork alongside more than 30 artists from around the globe. In September, I’ll have a solo exhibition in Hanover as part of the 28th edition of ZINNOBER-Hannover. The rest of my plans for this year are still under discussion.
By Team GT
