On June 26, Ornament Express café in Mtskheta hosted the presentation of the sixth issue of the cultural and educational magazine OMNIA, accompanied by a public meeting with visual artist Irma Sharikadze. The event brought together artists, cultural professionals, contributors to the magazine, readers, and guests interested in contemporary Georgian culture.
The presentation offered visitors an opportunity to explore the magazine’s latest issue, its editorial concept, and the diverse range of articles dedicated to Georgian culture, art, history, and contemporary creative processes.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by OMNIA Editor-in-Chief Nino Tsipuria, followed by representatives of Ornament Express, who spoke about the importance of supporting cultural initiatives and creating spaces that encourage artistic dialogue.
The guest of honor was visual artist Irma Sharikadze, whose in-depth interview appears in the sixth issue of OMNIA. During the meeting, she spoke about her collaboration with the magazine and expanded on many of the topics explored in the interview.
A central focus of the discussion was Adjarian embroidery as an important element of Georgia’s cultural heritage. Sharikadze reflected on its historical significance, symbolism, and the gradual loss of its original function over time. She also emphasized the importance of researching, documenting, and reinterpreting traditional crafts in a contemporary cultural context.
The event also featured a screening of Sharikadze’s documentary, The Adjarian Bride’s Treasure. Following the screening, the artist spoke about the making of the film, the research behind it, and the people whose stories it tells. The discussion explored both the cultural and historical significance of Adjarian embroidery and the challenges involved in preserving this unique tradition for future generations.
The meeting concluded with an interactive discussion, during which audience members had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with the artist. The conversation touched on cultural heritage preservation, the reinterpretation of traditional motifs in contemporary art, and the role of documentary filmmaking in safeguarding cultural memory.
Guests also had the opportunity to browse the newly released issue of OMNIA, meet its contributors, and continue conversations in an informal setting. The evening served as another platform for meaningful dialogue on Georgian culture, artistic expression, and the importance of preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage.
