Atinati - News

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

TSAISHI CATHEDRAL

Tsaishi, located about 10 km southwest of Zugdidi in the Samegrelo province, is the site of one of the oldest episcopal sees in western Georgia. In the register of bishoprics compiled under the name of the early Christian theologian Epiphanius of Salamis—but actually written in the seventh century—the bishop of the Saisins is listed among the hierarchs of Lazica, a reference corresponding to what later became Tsaishi.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

MURALS OF THE VIRGIN CHURCH AT NABAKHTEVI

A single -nave church near the village of Nabakhtevi used to be the main church of a big monastery built in the 14th c. in Kartli, the central region of east Georgia. It was a family church of the Amirejibi feudal house built and decorated upon their commission.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

GEORGIAN POLYPHONY : History, Significance and Consequences

Before discussing one of the greatest recognitions of Georgian culture, it is worth recalling how a new understanding of cultural heritage emerged globally and evolved within the framework of modernity.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

GIGO GABASHVILI

Giorgi (Gigo) Gabashvili (1862-1936) was one of the founders of the Georgian academic school and easel painting. Deeply influenced by the traditions of Russian Realism, his artistic vision closely aligned with the ideals of the Peredvizhniki (the Wanderers), a connection clearly reflected in his realistic works. Gabashvili was also the first artist in the history of Georgian art to create symbolist compositions.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

TEMO MATCHAVARIANI

In 1970s Soviet Georgia, the pressure of socialist realism propaganda and censorship had lessened significantly, but nonconformist artists were still unable to take advantage of state benefits. Without large orders, they were unable to buy cars, apartments, or country homes with party lists, nor could they hope for a personal exhibition or widespread recognition. Yet, locked in their studios, they retained their creative freedom, refused to praise their leaders, and in doing so, learned to expect, no accolades from them. Half-starved, they continued to produce true art.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

ALEXANDER (SHURA) BANDZELADZE

In the late 1950s, few knew who young Alexander (Shura) Bandzeladze (1927-1992) was. Indeed, they failed to realize that the painting that headed the renowned Galaktioni’s burial procession to the Mtatsminda Pantheon in 1959 was his: he had painted it a few years prior, in 1952.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

TAMARA TOUMANOVA – “THE BLACK PEARL OF BALLET”

Tamara Toumanova always longed to visit Georgia, the homeland of her mother, whose family name she carried with pride throughout her life. She came into the world in unusual circumstances: her mother, Evgenia Tumanishvili, was traveling to Vladivostok in distant Siberia to join her husband, Konstantin Zakharov, a doctor of the Caucasian Military District. Tamara was born in a train carriage on the way on March 2, 1919.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

THE ICONOGRAPHY OF PIROSMANASHVILI'S PAINTINGS AND ITS TIES WITH GEORGIAN ARTISTIC TRADITIONS

The work of the late 19th- to early 20th-century self-taught Georgian artist Niko Pirosmanashvili is among the jewels of Georgian cultural heritage. On one hand, Pirosmanashvili's legacy reflects his unique inborn talent, individual mastery and artistic individuality, while on the other his art is most often considered among the best expressions of the Georgian national aesthetic identity and its continuous artistic traditions.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

MURALS OF TSVIRMI CHURCH IN ZAGAR DISTRICT

The village Tsvirmi comprises several painted churches, among them the church of the Archangels located in the Zagar district. The single nave two -storied church is dated to the 9th c. It is one of the oldest churches in Upper Svaneti. The interior of the ground floor is covered with murals and displays a rather developed program of the painting.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

DAVID (DUDA) GABASHVILI

In his farewell letter to David (Duda) Gabashvili (1914-1995)- painter, graphic artist, sculptor, teacher, Honored Artist of Georgia, and People’s Artist of Georgia - the art historian and Academician Vakhtang Beridze noted that Gabashvili was an artist of impeccable taste and refinement, possessing the highest artistic culture and professionalism. Art historian Gogi Khoshtaria, meanwhile, argues that David Gabashvili’s art has not received the recognition it deserves. Rather than appealing through superficial effects, it demands a thoughtful and discerning viewer capable of engaging with its deeper artistic and intellectual dimensions.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

UNDER THE TURQUOISE SKY...

Georgian primitivism is often associated with Niko Pirosmani, although his work cannot be confined to that single category. His art engages with much broader pictorial traditions, and its uniqueness extends far beyond what is usually meant by naive or primitivist painting.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

MARTVILI ENCOLPION

One of the earliest pieces of medieval Georgian art is the Martvili Encolpion, a miniature triptych icon dating to the 8th-9th centuries. Preserved for generations at Martvili Monastery, it is a complex work composed of three carved panels enriched with a variety of materials and techniques. Partitioned enamel, gilded silver relief figures, Gospel scenes on the reverse, and inlaid precious stones create a striking artistic whole.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

REPOUSSE ICONS OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

The veneration of the Mother of God in Georgia spans many centuries. The perception of the Mother of God as the protector of humankind is further deepened by the belief that she is the patron saint of the Georgian land.

Atinati · აგვისტო 20, 2026

THE OKONI TRIPTYCH ICON

In 2001, an exceptionally valuable Georgian artefact, which had been considered lost since 1991, unexpectedly appeared at a Christie’s auction in Geneva. This outstanding ivory work, known as the Okoni Triptych Icon, had disappeared from the Tskhinvali Museum. At that time, Georgian jurisdiction no longer extended over the territory, and the loss was not officially reported by the museum.

Atinati · მაისი 14, 2026

MELAANI

Melaani is a village in the Gurjaani Municipality of Kakheti Province. Its history spans centuries, as evidenced by archaeological finds dating back to the late Bronze and Iron Ages.