1.Origins and Inspiration: What inspired you to establish unarchived_semiotics, and how did your background in curatorial practice shape its mission?
Idea of founding this platform crystallized during my work on the group show Trajectory of Thoughts at Gori Art House in 2021. The founding of unarchived_semiotics was deeply inspired by the interplay of critical and creative thinking as essential methodologies for expression in art. This platform emerged from a desire to explore how art can serve as a dynamic space for examining and challenging social and individual character. My curatorial practice has consistently sought to build interdisciplinary connections and create spatial experiences, moving beyond traditional exhibitions to invite audiences into a more nuanced engagement with art. Central to unarchived_semiotics is a conceptual framework that draws on semiology and the study of symbols, providing tools for understanding and interpreting the often-complex languages of art.
2.Platform’s Mission: unarchived_semiotics focuses on unconventional narratives and critical theory. Could you explain how you see the platform contributing to contemporary discourse and why it’s important to you?
Artistic forms, I believe, are uniquely positioned to reveal societal undercurrents and personal identities, offering a space where experimental and conceptual understanding can flourish. By focusing on these layers of meaning, unarchived_semiotics invites both artists and audiences to engage with the broader socio-cultural contexts that shape creative work. This platform is, therefore, a call for a more connected and interpretative practices. Such methodological approaches informs the platform’s mission to connect creative exploration with critical discourse, making unarchived_semiotics a vital space for reflective and progressive artistic practice.
3.Curatorial Approach and Thematic Focus: How does your curatorial approach shape your work on unarchived_semiotics, and what unique considerations guide you in developing this platform?
My vision is often guided by poetic reflections across various mediums. This approach deepens the understanding of artistic tendencies, engaging outside the conventions of the mainstream involves -addressing subjects, forms, or methodologies that may not align with dominant cultural or commercial tastes. By incorporating poetry and in-depth analysis, I position myself on an alternative edge.
To step outside cultural dominations and conventions beyond the mainstream allows for greater creative risk, granting artists the freedom to push boundaries, confront uncomfortable truths, and explore themes that might otherwise remain unseen or unspoken.First project realized through the unarchived_semiotics Trajectory of Thoughts, merged existential themes within worn images and traces, expanded visual language with philosophical and socio-cultural insights in collaboration with invited artists Tornike Gognadze, Keti Kapanadze, Thea Nili, Nino Sakandelidze, Oto Shengelia, David Chikhladze.
Trajectory of Thoughts, installation views. 2023. TBC Concept. Photos by Guram Kapanadze
One of the latest group show ‘Ephemeral Manipulations’ examined the “blur” between digital and physical realms, using feminine and non-binary perspectives to highlight the visible and invisible in collaboration with artists: Thea Nili, KetoMa, Unknown Errors, Tama Kvantaliani (Yamadatesla), Kristine Tusiashvili, Nina Tsotsoria.
Ephemeral Manipulations. Installation views. 2024. ArtArea Gallery
4. Engagement with Artists. As you already mentioned, the platform highlights diverse voices, both emerging and established artists. How do you select and collaborate with these artists, and how does this local grounding resonate with international audiences?
There is no predetermined selection of artists; rather, the process remains fluid, evolving in response to each project’s objectives and requirements. I try to construct a collaborative framework that considers the thematic integrity of the work, where visual and spatial dialogues are integral to the conceptual depth of the exhibition. Multigenerational dialogue is always inspiring for me as it introduces diverse perspectives that develop the discourse and highlights different time layers.
5.Challenges in Independent Curating & Future steps: What challenges have you faced curating independently with unarchived_semiotics? How you see future developments?
Independent curation presents both advantages and challenges. Operating primarily in Georgia, we face significant resource constraints and limited support for experimental art. Through innovative initiatives and collaborations, I try to create a space that encourages critical and analytical engagement through art. unarchived_semiotics is a platform that establishes a balance between aesthetics and poetics, allowing for a deeper exploration of current critical themes.
Future projects will focus on encourage critical engagement and reflective practices, integrating local and global perspectives. In doing so, unarchived_semiotics develops research based initiatives and continuously redefines the boundaries of creative and theoretical thought.
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