co- curated with Savse Mtvare
19. – 24. June 2021
CCA Center of Contemporary Art – Tbilisi
10, D.Abashidze st. Tbilisi
Artists:
Nutsa Esebua, Natia Benashvili, Teona Yamanidze
The exhibition “ON THE OTHER SIDE” focuses on going beyond limits in a wide variety of contexts. In everyday life we often experience barriers or restrictions, be it national borders or limitations of the human mind. This phenomenon was particularly noticeable in the pandemic-related lockdowns. Limitations manifest themselves physically through two polar sides: an inside or outside, protection or confinement, a here or there.
Nutsa Esebua‘s works show studies of a boundlessly spreading net of interwoven lines of the fence, which encourages to be overcome, which is also suggested not at least by the appearance of a bird. In terms of form language, uncontrolled wildly growing trees, with branches stretching towards the sky and intertwined with each other, seem to overcome all barriers. Always searching for the vastness, perhaps for the other side. Cube formations inspired by Johannes Itten‘s theory of color confront complementary colors and visualize processes of coming together.
Natia Benashvili‘s works are inspired by stages of alchemical transformation where cuboidal forms are a repetitive element. This symbolizes the inner transforming self and its various stages. Self-definitions affect and confront the psyche, whether physical or mental, triggers an
internal process that in turn affects our internal or external interactions. Abstract humanoid beings, at the moment of internal development, appear to be concentrated, introverted, and entirely within themselves.
Teona Yamanidze‘s works show the physical furnishings of an apartment and open up glimpses of parallel worlds into which their inhabitants escape. The partially faded surface of her works gives her realistic paintings an unreal touch, a mystical appearance, as if the scene were a dream or a faded memory. Partly the interior seems left, in some scenes people appear, looking into monitors or dreaming.
„ON THE OTHER SIDE“ combines paintings and drawings dedicated to the examination of limitations and their transgression. Inward and outward processes eventually open up new perspectives.
Text: Iris Kasper
Supported by Atelier-Auslandsstipendium des Landes Steiermark, GeoAir and CCA Center of Contemporary Art – Tbilisi.
