Realism and Symbolism in Gigo Gabashvili’s Art

From September 25 to October 26, 2025, the Sighnaghi Museum of History and Ethnography of the Georgian National Museum presents the exhibition Realism and Symbolism in Gigo Gabashvili’s Art.

One of the founders of Georgian realistic painting, Gigo Gabashvili (1862–1936), was a professionally trained Georgian artist. He expanded Georgian easel painting—previously limited mainly to portraiture—by introducing a wide variety of themes and genres. What makes him remarkable is his ability to merge two seemingly opposing artistic movements: realism and symbolism. His symbolist legacy reveals not only his profound education but also his broad intellectual interests. In these works, he reinterprets Georgian myths and legends while also incorporating ethnographic traditions and symbolic imagery.

The exhibition features around 50 paintings and graphic works from the collection of the Shalva Amiranashvili State Art Museum of Georgian. The exhibition gives the viewer a rare opportunity to discover the artistic heritage of the master whose vision laid the foundation for modern Georgian art.

Exhibition Dates: September 25 – October 26, 2025

Venue: Sighnaghi Museum of History and Ethnography, Sh. Rustaveli Alley N 8, Sighnaghi, Georgia