Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is a city that is steeped in history and culture. It is a city that has been shaped by its past, but it is also a city that is looking to the future. One of the ways that Tbilisi is embracing the future is through its contemporary art scene. The city is home to a number of contemporary art galleries that showcase the work of both local and international artists. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the top contemporary art galleries in Tbilisi.
1. Project ArtBeat
Project ArtBeat is a contemporary art gallery that is located in the heart of Tbilisi. The gallery was founded in 2013 by two young Georgian women who were passionate about contemporary art. Since then, the gallery has become one of the most respected art spaces in the city. Project ArtBeat showcases the work of both established and emerging artists, with a focus on contemporary Georgian art.
The gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions and events, which often feature interactive installations and performances. One of the most notable exhibitions at Project ArtBeat was "The Invisible Hand," which explored the relationship between art and economics. The exhibition featured works by a number of Georgian artists, as well as international artists such as Ai Weiwei and Yoko Ono.
2. Georgian National Museum
The Georgian National Museum is the largest museum in Georgia, and it is home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts. The museum has a dedicated contemporary art section that showcases the work of some of the country's most talented artists. The museum's collection includes paintings, sculptures, and installations, and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary Georgian art.
One of the most notable exhibitions at the Georgian National Museum was "Artisterium," which featured works by over 50 Georgian and international artists. The exhibition explored themes such as identity, memory, and migration, and it was a powerful reflection on the complexities of contemporary life.
3. TBC Gallery
TBC Gallery is a contemporary art space that is located in the heart of Tbilisi. The gallery was founded in 2011, and it has quickly become one of the city's most popular art destinations. TBC Gallery showcases the work of both local and international artists, with a focus on contemporary art that is both innovative and thought-provoking.
The gallery is known for its diverse range of exhibitions, which often feature works by artists from different cultural backgrounds. One of the most notable exhibitions at TBC Gallery was "The Other Side of Now," which explored the relationship between art and technology. The exhibition featured works by a number of international artists, including Olafur Eliasson and Nam June Paik.
4. Artarea Gallery
Artarea Gallery is a contemporary art space that is located in the historic district of Tbilisi. The gallery was founded in 2009, and it has become one of the city's most respected art spaces. Artarea Gallery showcases the work of both established and emerging artists, with a focus on contemporary Georgian art.
The gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions, which often feature works that challenge traditional artistic conventions. One of the most notable exhibitions at Artarea Gallery was "The Art of the Object," which explored the relationship between art and everyday objects. The exhibition featured works by a number of Georgian artists, as well as international artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Claes Oldenburg.
5. Galleria Tbilisi
Galleria Tbilisi is a contemporary art gallery that is located in the heart of the city. The gallery was founded in 2009, and it has become one of the most popular art destinations in Tbilisi. Galleria Tbilisi showcases the work of both local and international artists, with a focus on contemporary art that is both innovative and thought-provoking.
The gallery is known for its diverse range of exhibitions, which often feature works by artists from different cultural backgrounds. One of the most notable exhibitions at Galleria Tbilisi was "The Art of Resistance," which explored the relationship between art and political activism. The exhibition featured works by a number of international artists, including Banksy and Ai Weiwei.
6. Project ArtBeat II
Project ArtBeat II is a contemporary art gallery that is located in the historic district of Tbilisi. The gallery was founded in 2018, and it has quickly become one of the city's most respected art spaces. Project ArtBeat II showcases the work of both established and emerging artists, with a focus on contemporary Georgian art.
The gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions, which often feature works that challenge traditional artistic conventions. One of the most notable exhibitions at Project ArtBeat II was "The Art of the Body," which explored the relationship between art and the human body. The exhibition featured works by a number of Georgian artists, as well as international artists such as Marina Abramovic and Cindy Sherman.
7. Art Gallery LINE
Art Gallery LINE is a contemporary art space that is located in the heart of Tbilisi. The gallery was founded in 2017, and it has quickly become one of the city's most popular art destinations. Art Gallery LINE showcases the work of both local and international artists, with a focus on contemporary art that is both innovative and thought-provoking.
The gallery is known for its diverse range of exhibitions, which often feature works by artists from different cultural backgrounds. One of the most notable exhibitions at Art Gallery LINE was "The Art of Nature," which explored the relationship between art and the natural world. The exhibition featured works by a number of international artists, including Ansel Adams and Yayoi Kusama.
8. Moma Tbilisi
Moma Tbilisi is a contemporary art space that is located in the heart of Tbilisi. The gallery was founded in 2016, and it has quickly become one of the most respected art spaces in the city. Moma Tbilisi showcases the work of both established and emerging artists, with a focus on contemporary art that is both innovative and thought-provoking.
The gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions, which often feature works that challenge traditional artistic conventions. One of the most notable exhibitions at Moma Tbilisi was "The Art of Sound," which explored the relationship between art and music. The exhibition featured works by a number of international artists, including John Cage and Brian Eno.
9. Project ArtBeat III
Project ArtBeat III is a contemporary art gallery that is located in the heart of Tbilisi. The gallery was founded in 2019, and it has quickly become one of the city's most respected art spaces. Project ArtBeat III showcases the work of both established and emerging artists, with a focus on contemporary Georgian art.
The gallery is known for its innovative exhibitions, which often feature works that challenge traditional artistic conventions. One of the most notable exhibitions at Project ArtBeat III was "The Art of Memory," which explored the relationship between art and memory. The exhibition featured works by a number of Georgian artists, as well as international artists such as Anselm Kiefer and Christian Boltanski.
10. 11 Mirrors Design Hotel
11 Mirrors Design Hotel is a boutique hotel that is located in the heart of Tbilisi. The hotel has a dedicated contemporary art space that showcases the work of both local and international artists. The art space is open to the public, and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art.
The art space at 11 Mirrors Design Hotel is known for its innovative exhibitions, which often feature works that challenge traditional artistic conventions. One of the most notable exhibitions at the hotel was "The Art of Light," which explored the relationship between art and light. The exhibition featured works by a number of international artists, including James Turrell and Dan Flavin.
Conclusion
Tbilisi's contemporary art scene is thriving, and there are a number of galleries and art spaces that are worth visiting. From Project ArtBeat to the Georgian National Museum, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you are a seasoned art collector or simply someone who appreciates contemporary art, Tbilisi is the perfect destination for you.