Sculptor Karlo Grigolia is one of the most important representatives of non-conformist art and the founder of Georgian abstract sculpture. After graduating from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts in 1956, he continued working as lecturer at the academy. Karlo Grigolia’s works are based on Greek classical principles, his works clearly show his characteristic individualism and aspiration to generalize the plastic form.
Artist in focus – Karlo Grigolia (1927-2014) was a Georgian nonconformist artist. In spite of considerable pressure, he was able to change the contemporary abstract vision by reintroducing the classical canon of sculpture. Thanks to Karlo Grigolia’s contributions, it is now safe to say that the Georgian modern abstract classic has established its place in the country’s artistic history. He combined his conceptions of form with the fundamental principles of Egyptian and Greek sculpture so as to create wholly original contemporary abstract sculptures. The inestimable value of Karlo Grigolia’s work is manifested in its monumentality, energy and line, formal harmony, movement, plasticity, impulse, and most significantly, in its uniqueness of form. In the 90s, Karlo Grigolia became a member of the International Center of Contemporary Sculpture in Washington, and at the same time, headed the Association of Avant-Gardist artists of Georgia. “Forbidden Art” was the first large-scale exhibition of Karlo Grigolia’s works exhibited in Dimitri Shevardnadze national gallery. The exhibition showcased various works from the artist’s sixty years of creativity. Presented by ATINATI’S cultural center. o.
