Bonhams, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious auction houses, is currently hosting the first-ever international auction devoted exclusively to contemporary Georgian art. Titled Georgian Art Now and presented as a standalone sales event, the auction marks a decisive shift in how Georgian artists are positioned within the global art market—no longer relegated to post-Soviet or Russian categories, but recognized as a distinct and independent cultural voice.
Among the Georgian partners selected by the Bonhams curatorial team is Vere Gallery, which brings together a compelling group of five artists for this important debut in London. Each artist, in their own way, represents a facet of Georgia’s evolving creative identity—ranging from abstraction to multimedia practice, and from established voices to a younger generation articulating a uniquely local visual language.
Aleksandre (Avto) Mosiashvili (1939–2023), a veteran of Georgian art, is represented in the auction by a striking abstract work—refined over decades of artistic evolution. Mosiashvili is regarded as one of the pioneers of abstraction in Georgian art. His bold, distinctive style earned international acclaim as early as the 1980s, when he received the Gold Prize at the International Exhibition of Artists in Tokyo. His work has been widely exhibited across Europe and the U.S., and is held in prestigious institutions including Tretyakov Gallery and Tbilisi’s Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts.
Yuri Berishvili (b. 1958), a leading figure from the 1980s generation, is acclaimed for his emotionally resonant abstract compositions. The work on view at Bonhams explores metaphysical and spiritual themes through vibrant color and spontaneous, expressive forms. His art is housed in major collections, including the Zimmerli Art Museum (USA) and the Kolodzei Art Foundation.
Teona Paichadze (b. 1970) brings a contemporary perspective grounded in traditional techniques. A graduate of the Tbilisi State Academy of Fine Arts, her work seamlessly blends past and present influences. She has exhibited in Germany, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. At Bonhams, her emotionally charged pieces offer a compelling glimpse into her distinctive creative voice. Her works are part of both public and private collections across Europe.
Keti Davlianidze (b. 1976) is a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, and book illustration. She is known for her refined line work and signature pastel palette. Her piece presented at Bonhams, Kolchetian Amazon, merges soft, airy tones with a strong graphic sensibility. Her art has been featured in exhibitions throughout Europe and is included in collections ranging from the Vatican to the Georgian National Museum.
Viktoria Berishvili (b. 1984), an architect and contemporary artist, blends interior design with fine art in her concept-driven work. She holds degrees from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and Milan’s Scuola Politecnica di Design. Her recent solo shows in Tbilisi demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach that engages with space and form.
The Bonhams auction is now live — Georgian Art Now runs from May 19 to 29, presenting a dedicated selection of contemporary Georgian artists. View the full auction here: https://www.bonhams.com/auction/31458/georgian-art-now/
