The New Collection of the Museum of Arts of Georgia, 2021-2023: Part 5

Valerian Sidamon- Eristavi

Sergo Kobuladze

Vera Rockline-Schlesinger

Felix (Varla) Varlamishvili

Irina Stenberg

Between 2021 and 2023, the Ministry of Culture of Georgia significantly expanded the collection of the Shalva Amiranashvili State Museum of Arts of Georgia, with a particular focus on modern and contemporary Georgian art. This expansion added works by 122 Georgian artists, many of whom were previously underrepresented in the museum’s holdings.

This newly acquired collection provides a compelling narrative of the evolution of Georgian art. It highlights an extensive range of graphic works created by artists during the 1950s and 1970s, focusing on those who played key roles in advancing Georgian graphic art. The collection also includes works acquired after the group exhibition of non-conformist artists at the Sighnaghi Museum, further enhancing its representation of diverse artistic movements.

However, the most significant additions to the collection are paintings from the 1980s and 1990s, a pivotal period in Georgian painting that marks a transformative phase in the country’s artistic evolution. This collection highlights a selection of distinct artistic choices, shedding light on the unique paths each artist took to transcend the limitations of their local environment. Through these works, they merged their personal experiences with contemporary artistic movements. Notably, the Ministry has acquired works by modernist artist Valerian Sidamon-Eristavi from the 1930s, including pieces depicting the construction of Baku’s industrial zone.

The most significant additions to the collection are paintings from the 1980s and 1990s, a transformative period in Georgian art. These works reflect the artists’ unique paths to transcend local limitations, merging personal experiences with contemporary movements. Notably, the Ministry has acquired 1930s works by modernist Valerian Sidamon-Eristavi, including pieces depicting Baku’s industrial zone.

Since 2022, the opportunity has arisen to acquire works by renowned artists such as Sergo Kobuladze, Alexander Bazhbeuk-Melikyan, Felix Varlamishvili, and Kirill Zdanevich, as well as sculptures by Rusudan Gachechiladze, Vazha Melikishvili, Karlo Grigolia, and Simon Girkelidze.

The presentation of the new collection of modern and contemporary Georgian art at the Shalva Amiranashvili State Museum of Arts is a gradual process. The fifth exhibition is currently on view at the Sighnaghi Museum from December 18, 2024, to March 23, 2025.