Art Foundation Anagi Holds Exclusive Premiere in Tbilisi
In the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia, a new cultural institution has emerged, marking an exciting chapter in the city's artistic journey. AFA - Art Foundation Anagi, located on 12 Zurab Avalishvili Street in Park Home Vake, officially opened its doors to the public on a private viewing, promising to redefine the role of an art foundation in the country.
The foundation, established by Zaza Gogotishvili and Thea Goguadze-Apfel, aims to preserve and foster Georgia's artistic heritage while promoting innovation and cultural exchange. This mission is evident in the foundation's inaugural event, an exhibition called Fragments of Transition, which showcases works by Georgian artists such as Alexander Bandzeladze, Luka Lasareishvili, and others, as well as pieces by international artists.
Fragments of Transition is a cornerstone of AFA's mission, featuring works that have been absent from Georgia for decades. Francoise Friedrich facilitated the repatriation of many works for this exhibition, ensuring that these pieces of Georgian art history find a home in their country of origin.
The exhibition also includes archival material on Gia Edzgveradze, providing historical context for the works on display. The AFA Curatorial Hall, a space dedicated to research-driven exhibitions, serves as the perfect setting for such a comprehensive presentation.
In addition to Fragments of Transition, AFA features a reconstruction of the iconic artist Sergo Kobuladze's studio, Giorgi Shengelia's contemporary photography project Accidental Portraits, and a collaboration with Georgian artists Karlo Kacharava and Mamuka Tsetskhladze.
AFA Gallery continues the exhibition concept Fragments of Transition, while AFA Object houses Lia Bagrationi's site-specific installation 13 Aquariums and a Fish. The foundation also partners with AFA Photo and AFA Movie to display Sergei Parajanov on Set, a photographic series and a screening of The Legend of Surami Fortress, at Gallery Fotoatelier.
Mappa Cartographica, a space that showcases a rare collection of historical maps and antique books, offers a glimpse into Georgia's rich history and cultural heritage. The AFA Archive, meanwhile, showcases Gregor Danelian's Cappricios, an exhibition exploring the painter's distinctive artistic language.
The significance of AFA's exhibitions lies in their potential to promote Georgian art globally, enhance cultural understanding, and provide a platform for artistic expression and innovation. Jean-Jacques Le Gall, a renowned cultural figure, praised AFA for its modern approach, immersive exhibitions, and connection to context.
By fostering a sustainable and dynamic creative ecosystem in Georgia, where tradition and experimentation coexist, AFA - Art Foundation Anagi is poised to become a generator of new artistic futures in the country. The foundation's collaborations with Georgian artists, curators, collectors, and international partners ensure that it will continue to articulate new perspectives and contribute to the development of the local art scene.
The private viewing of AFA attracted international cultural figures and journalists, signalling the foundation's potential to make a significant impact on the global art world. As AFA - Art Foundation Anagi continues to evolve, it promises to play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Georgian art, fostering innovation, and facilitating cultural exchange.
The AFA-Art Foundation Anagi, with its mixture of traditional and innovative exhibits, such as the reconstruction of Sergo Kobuladze's studio and Lia Bagrationi's site-specific installation, not only showcases Georgia's artistic heritage but also intends to redefine its lifestyle and home-and-garden scene. Furthermore, the foundation's collaborations with international partners will help bring Georgian art to a global audience, thereby enriching home-and-garden lifestyles worldwide with a taste of Georgia's cultural identity.
