Today, on the occasion of the World Environment Day, the Austrian Embassy, the Austrian Development Cooperation, the National Wildlife Agency, and CENN opened an exhibition of the famous Austrian painter and environmental activist Friedensreich Hundertwasser at Krtsanisi Forest Park.
The opening of the outdoor art exhibition, located in the wild nature outside of Tbilisi, served as a celebration of World Environment Day and an acknowledgement of the long standing partnership between Georgian and Austria, with a particular focus on Austria’s continued support of Georgia as it works to protect its environment and resources. The exhibition was curated by Mariam Shergelashvili, an independent and State Silk Museum curator and the co-founder of the initiative group ALGORITHM F5. The exhibition will be open to public months to come (see the program below).
The exhibition’s introductory ceremony was opened and attended by the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Mr. Levan Davitasvhili; the Austrian Ambassador to Georgia Mr. Thomas Muehlmann; Head of the Tbilisi Office of the Austrian Development Agency Mr. Alexander Karner; the head of the National Wildlife Agency Mr. Rezo Bezhashvili; Ms. Nana Janashia the Executive Director of CENN; Kvemo Kartli State Representative Mr. Shota Rekhviashvili.
The event also revealed three winners of the painting competition Guest of Nature for school pupils across Georgia, who were awarded gifts from Plastic Watcher and will be visiting the Embassy. The paintings of the pupils were also exhibited during the event.
Throughout June and for the beginning of July, along with the exhibition, weekly school trips and events will be organized.
World Environment Day is observed on June 5 every year to remind people about the importance of nature. The day is celebrated across the world to inform people that nature should not be taken for granted and must be respected for its values. With the initiative of the United Nations, 2021 has been declared the Year of Ecosystem Restoration and Nature Conservation and in celebration of this we present you with the vision of Hundertwasser’s world in Krtsanisi Forest Park.
June / July Program
| Date: | Time: | Event title | Brief description |
| 10 June, Thursday | 6:00-7:30 PM | Introduction to Hundertwasser’s colourful world / led by Mariam Shergelashvili and the Austrian Ambassador Thomas Muehlmann | Come and immerse yourself in the world of the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser and experience his ecological vision. Let us introduce you to his idea of spiral continuity expressed in unique multicolored, non-straight, vibrant and circular shapes and lines. Working language – Georgian and English |
| 14 June, Monday | 6:00-7:30 PM | Sustainability and Water Management in Georgia / led by Helmut Weidel, independent expert | A great opportunity for students and schoolchildren, as well as young professionals in the field!
Working language – English |
| 17 June, Thursday | 6:00-7:30 PM | Introduction to Hundertwasser’s colourful world / led by Mariam Shergelashvili | Working language – Georgian |
| 21 June, Monday | 8:00-9:30 AM | Birdwatching tour by SABUKO | Get to know feathered treasures of Krtsanisi Forest Park. An experienced guide from SABUKO will lead you down the path and tell you about the birds and their lives.
Working language – Georgian |
| 24 June, Thursday | 5:00-6:30 PM | School children lead their peers through the exhibition | Come and join – look at the topic through different eyes
Working language – Georgian and English |
| 28 June, Monday | 8:00-9:30 AM | Yoga Session | Looking for a great start to the week? Grab the matt and join us for Yoga Morning.
Working language – Georgian and English |
| 1 July, Thursday | 6:00-7:30 PM | Nugzar Zazanashvili – Remembering a great poet and environmentalist with Rezo Getiashvili and Levan Sebiskveradze | Working language – Georgian |
| 5 July, Monday | 6:00-7:30 PM | Sustainable Development Goals and ADA’s mandate in Georgia / led by Mr. Alexander Karner and Mr. Vakhtang Mshvidobadze | Working language – Georgian and English |
| 8 July, Thursday | 6:00-7:30 PM |
Biodiversity of Georgia – Workshop
|
Learning by experiencing – we take a walk around Krtsanisi Forest Park and learn about the biodiversity as we experience the surroundings.
Working language – Georgian |
Friedensreich Hundertwasser (Friedrich Stowasser)
Find out more about Friedensreich Hundertwasser here, a painter, architect, and ecological activist, who dedicated himself to life in harmony with the laws of nature. (1928 – 2000)
About the Exhibition
This exhibition in nature offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the world of the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. They are invited to experience his ecological visions and engage with his idea of spiral continuity expressed in his unique multicolored, non-straight, vibrant and circular shapes and lines. Whilst strolling through the park, visitors will be able to learn more about Austria’s actions in Georgia and how they are closely tied to turning the artist´s vision into reality: the exhibition does not only portray the beautiful art by Hundertwasser, but also displays highlights of the work by the Austrian Development Cooperation, implemented by its partners.
The exhibition in Krtsanisi allows people to feel as though they are the real guests of nature, to explore the surrounding authentic flora and fauna, to discover Krtsanisi’s biodiversity, and to reflect on the need to protect the earth’s fragile beauty and nature.
About Krtsanisi Forest Park
Krtsanisi Forest Park provides a unique opportunity for visitors to unwind in a natural environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Paths embellished with magnificent alleys make it convenient for walking and bicycle rides. This is also a wonderful location for picnics, camping, educational tours, and bird-watching. Krtsanisi Forest Park now is being restored and developed by the National Wildlife Agency.
Krtsanisi Forest Park has elements of floodplain forests, which are sites of extreme importance for biodiversity conservation. The Park provides a home to more than 215 species of fauna and flora is represented by 54 species of endemic and exotic species.
Related article:
A Guest of Nature: Friedensreich Hundertwasser Exhibition in Krtsanisi Forest Park
