It is autumn again, which means back to school, home, friends, and, of course, a plethora of festivals and exhibitions to enjoy.
After the summer break, BI Auction’s ‘Meet the Artist’ has returned, kicking off with Nino Kvrivishvili.
“Nino is a textile artist who reflects radiance not only from her talent, but also from her warm and accommodating personality,” says Bengu Akcardak Kucuk, Co-Founder and Partner of BI Auction. “She not only creates at her studio, but works at the Academy of Art supporting future artists and even for expats who are interested in creating through special courses in English.”
Nino Kvrivishvili studied Textile Design at Tbilisi State Academy of Art (2001-2007) and has exhibited in Georgia and abroad. Among her most recent solo exhibitions were those at Museum Wäschefabrik, Bielefeld; Gallery Melike Bilir, Hamburg; and the Czech Cultural Center, Paris.
“I’ve participated in group exhibitions ‘Long-distance Friendships,’ at the Kaunas 14th Biennial (LTU); LINKS at the Nathalie Karg Gallery (USA) in collaboration with Gallery Artbeat; SILK at GAD _Giudecca Art District Gallery (IT); and many more,” the artist tells us. “Currently, I am getting ready for the exhibition ‘Landscapes of an Ongoing Past,’ an exhibition conceived by Urbane Künste Ruhr in cooperation with the Zollverein Foundation for the salt warehouse for the Ruhrtriennale 2024.”
In the past few years, Nino has become involved in art residency programs in Germany, Switzerland, and Lithuania, through which she has been gaining some exceptional experiences as she seeks to forward her career.
“I am always proud to mention my contribution to establish a textile making studio in the Adjara region. This journey started with my professor, Iano Jikia, to whom I dedicated my recent work presented at Kaunas Biennial,” she says. “It is always refreshing for an artist to be outside their country, but at this moment I feel good being and working in my studio in Tbilisi.”
How would you describe your work? Which trends in art or important artists have had an impact on you?
I work with textile installations. I’m interested to see how my drawings are translated into materials, and how I can use traditional textile making in contemporary art.
While painting, I think a lot about light and color, which can be perfection itself without any particular form. I am inspired a lot by Georgian Avant-garde artist David Kakabadze, whose knowledge and attitude to color is visible in his works.
I’m also very much inspired by G. Marandi’s works too. I especially love works by artists that are not often put on display in museums. For me, the intimate part is about seeing their sketches and study drawings.
Name a piece of art you think everyone should see “live”.
Anything by David Kakabadze, and The Milkmaid by J. Vermeer.
What is your view of the virtual art space, of exhibitions, auctions and sales?
The virtual art space allows everyone access, but I am afraid it remains beyond reality. I am more for the idea of physical objects and their appearance in our daily lives. When we see art in real life, we can’t get bored with it.
Galleries and auctions play an important role for experienced artists, who already have a lot to say.
You also organize art courses at the Academy, in English. Tell us more.
I am very much for the idea of education in art. Art is knowledge, routine; it is not a quick turn-around.
I teach art to students, and at the same time I am involved with other professionals to give art education to the general public. These are short programs for everyone to learn any skills in art that can be a good starting point for the future.
How do you evaluate the changes in art in Georgia?
As I studied in Tbilisi and I know what was happening during my student years, I would say that something new started in young artists’ lives from 2013.
I remember when the first ‘Popiashvili Gvaberidze Window Project’ gallery in the city center was opened and showed off young artists- that was really a starting point for positive changes.
After that, many art initiatives were established to present the young generation.
What do you hope for art and artists in Georgia?
In the same way today everyone speaks about football and Georgia’s sporting achievements, I really hope for the same with Georgia’s art, ultimately leading to more investment in art and artists.
Interview by Team GT
