From April 11 to April 14, the Tbilisi Art Fair (TAF) unfolded its vibrant exhibition. TAF, an international contemporary art fair, highlights young, emerging, and mid-career artists, and uncovers art scenes that are less visible and less accessible from the eastern and southern frontiers of Europe. During this dynamic event, Reach Art Visual (R.A.V.) curated a showcase featuring five artists drawn from three distinct collections: The Reach Art Visual collection, the Vere Gallery collection, and the Historical collection. Each collection blended Western and Eastern artistic traditions, aiming to foster cross-cultural dialogue and appreciation for art’s universal power to connect people across borders.
Merab Kopaleishvili is a distinguished Georgian artist known for his evocative paintings and sculptures that explore human emotions, introspection, and resilience. Through a lifelong commitment to his craft, Kopaleishvili’s artworks transcend cultural and generational boundaries, captivating audiences with their sincerity and profoundness.
At the Tbilisi Art Fair 2024, Reach Art Visual presented a series of large-scale paintings by Merab Kopaleishvili, featuring colorful and mythological themes. Kopaleishvili blends mythological and tangible worlds seamlessly into one. This collection reflected Kopaleishvili’s commitment to individuality and authenticity, invited viewers to explore realms of imagination and creativity.
Guan Yu, a Chinese artist, is known for his skillful drawings and captivating narratives. His artistic odyssey delves into profound themes of migration and resilience, encouraging viewers to reflect on our shared human experience. With a distinctive artistic touch, Yu’s drawings extend a personal invitation, guiding viewers through the stages of his migration journey.
At the Tbilisi Art Fair, Reach Art Visual unveiled an immersive installation, inviting visitors to experience Yu’s story first hand. Through a headphone set, attendees listened to Guan Yu’s narrative while engaging with his drawings. This multimedia presentation offered a profound exploration of migration and resilience, inviting viewers to connect deeply with Guan Yu’s journey and contemplate the broader human experience.
Presented by Vere Gallery were two distinguished artists: Liu Kandareli Guangwen and Iliko Zautashvili.
Arriving in Georgia 63 years ago to pursue studies at the Art Academy, Liu Kandareli Guangwen quickly became a revered figure in the local community. Besides her artistic pursuits, she has significantly impacted Georgian society by advocating for Chinese culture and language, enriching understanding and appreciation for this heritage.
At the Tbilisi Art Fair 2024, Reach Art Visual presented an immersive exploration of Liu Kandareli’s world, offering a fresh perspective on Chinese culture through her graphic drawings titled “Beyond Artistic Censorship.” These works provided a personal insight into the artist’s creative journey, revealing Kandareli’s intricate side previously unseen by the public. Crafted from 1970 to 1990, these drawings testify to Kandareli’s artistic evolution and resilience in navigating artistic expression under censorship. Through her work, viewers delve into the depths of Kandareli’s creative process, gaining a deeper understanding of her perspective on Chinese culture and artistic freedom.
In the dynamic landscape of the 1990s, Iliko Zautashvili emerged as a central figure in Georgian conceptual art. His collection, characterized by symbolic elements, abstraction, and a rich cultural legacy, played a vital role in cultural preservation, demonstrating the resilience of artistic expression. Zautashvili’s artistic journey began in the challenging period of the 1980s, marked by the quest for a personal artistic vision amid historical and political shifts. His series of abstract works from this era reflect his pursuit of a unique perspective and method of artistic expression.
At Tbilisi Art Fair 2024, Reach Art Visual showcased two artworks by Iliko Zautashvili: Light Darkness and Space-Space As a Line. These pieces offered a deeply personal artistic journey, inviting viewers into the depths of imagination, and igniting a transformative exploration through the realms of creativity.
Reach Art’s historical collection featured works by Giorgi Kotrikadze, a prominent figure in mid-twentieth century Georgian art, known for his distinctive style in graphic painting. At the Tbilisi Art Fair 2024, Reach Art Visual revealed Kotrikadze’s graphic series titled The Artist’s Journey Abroad, offering a visual exploration of themes such as travel, interconnectedness, and universal experiences during the artist’s stay in Cuba in the 1960s.
Through his drawings, Kotrikadze offers viewers a glimpse into his experiences abroad, prompting contemplation of exploration and connection. Each piece in the series captures moments of discovery, reflection, and cultural exchange. Viewers had the opportunity to reflect on their own travel experiences and the interconnectedness of the global community while engaging with Kotrikadze’s imagery.
The artists featured at the fair highlighted the lasting influence of art in transcending boundaries and enhancing comprehension of the human experience. Viewers were prompted to contemplate their own journeys, cultural backgrounds, and the common ties that unite us globally as they interacted with the artworks. Reach Art Visual emphasized the transformative role of art in bridging gaps and building connections worldwide, highlighting creativity and diversity.
