Atinati - News

Atinati · August 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 · August 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 · August 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 · August 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 · August 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 · August 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 · August 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 · August 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 · August 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 · August 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 · May 8, 2026

GEORGIAN WRESTLING: FROM NATIONAL SPORT TO WORLD HERITAGE

In October 2025, Tbilisi hosted the Georgian Wrestling World Championship. One hundred athletes from 25 countries around the world competed for the prestigious wrestling title. The competition featured participants from a diversity of countries, including among them Turkey, Greece, Mongolia, Egypt, Brazil, Japan, Iran, and Estonia. The celebration of this national sport culminated in a fascinating compelling master class, where Georgian wrestlers demonstrated showcased traditional techniques and unique technical aspects moves to the visiting athletes. Behind this achievement lies centuries of experience and a rich cultural heritage.

Atinati · April 25, 2026

GEORGIAN MODERNISM: TIFLIS AVANT-GARDE, 1910–1920

The artistic and cultural life of Tiflis¹— the capital of independent Georgia between 1918 and 1921 — represents a distinctive chapter in the history of modern Georgian art. During this period, Georgian artists actively embraced emerging Western trends, successfully transplanting them into the local cultural context. As a result, a rapid evolution took place—moving from academic art, which arrived in Georgia relatively late, to modernist forms of expression.

Atinati · April 21, 2026

TRUE CROSS RELIQUARIES OF MEDIEVAL GEORGIA

The cult of the Cross of Golgotha, the instrument of Christ’s Passion, dates back to the time of Constantine the Great (272–337), leading to the creation of various practices, including the veneration of fragments of the Golgotha Cross and the production of their reliquaries.

Atinati · April 16, 2026

GEORGIA: A 3000-YEAR TRADITION OF CONTINUOUS STATEHOOD

When one thinks of Georgia, the associations may vary, yet certain shared impressions tend to emerge: the cradle of wine, a land of rich cultural heritage, a mountainous country with diverse natural landscapes, a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, an ancient Christian nation with its own unique script, friendly and hospitable people, delicious and vibrant cuisine, polyphonic folklore, and fiery dances. For some, however, the first association is Stalin.

Atinati · April 8, 2026

THE LIVING CULTURE OF GEORGIA’S THREE ALPHABETS

“The Georgian alphabet is a remarkably refined instrument for conveying the full richness of the sounds of the Georgian language: its letters express each individual sound with precision and clarity, and, in this respect, no other alphabet can rival it.”