You can't change the heartbeat of my country

Tbilisi 2009

The project "You can't change the heartbeat of my country"


by Zurab Natsvlishvili

In August 2008, the aggressive actions of the Russian military forces caused the Georgian society to go into a state of stress, danger, depression, moral struggle for states system and fear for the future. At the same time, nihilism is still a strong phenomenon in the society of Georgia.

By Gia Bugadze

ACTUAL ART is a project with idea of transforming vital images from the Georgian reality through artistic-aesthetic concepts. In hope to cause a strong social impact, emphasize the notion of actuality, which obtains a new artistic sense: any action of an artist is directed at getting the

Georgian society involved in the country's process of rehabilitation following the war.
HEARTBEAT OF THE COUNTRY became project’s main theme. Occupation, war and tragedy needed observation from intellectuals and artists, whether still living in Georgia or some place else.
First of all the aim was to create a mobile representation, which will reach regions as Gori, Akhaltsikhe, Rustavi, Telavi and Signagi. Most of the exhibitions in province took place at unusual spaces like a theatre lobby, restaurants and conference halls and the expositions were definitely reflexive actions.
Secondly, the goal was to popularize contemporary Georgian art outside of the capital city, within presentation of dynamical political tendencies, new perspectives of thinking and cultural decentralization.

Contemporary and active Georgian artists were supported by artist’s group “Caravansarai Artistic Exchange – Paris" that provide the project with its strengthened. The exhibition offered and encourage mix of experimentation, new media and traditional art as: painting, prints, sculpture, photo, video, body art and etc'. Events were accompanied with alternative electronic music.


"Georgia" by Pierre Terdjman.


Artists achieved synthesis of critical thinking and artistic creation, necessary for their role in society, moreover personal fulfillment and ability to influence the surroundings.
My colleagues Alexandra Gabunia, Shalva Khakhanashvili and I had huge interest and motivation from the beginning to start up the project and the main vision was to raise consciousness throughout contemporary art. Professional curatorial work and contribution with talented artists created the rhythm of the extraordinary events.

Artist’s HEARTBEAT balanced on invisible border, made possible to enter depths of objects and events.

"Naght flight" by Jado Pochkhua.

Appendix

Telavi, 20 of August 2009, Ketevan Iashvili's art gallery hosted exhibition “YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE HEARTBEAT OF MY COUNTRY".
Exposition was over, hall was empty. Just one lady stared intently at the wall.
From time to time there were sounds of video-art, fragment phrases –"defend me, my beautiful dress, bread and butter, and sound of water" outward breath and song phrase " waiting for my sweetheart from afar”.
The lady burst out with gratifying words, grieves for the present situation and added her own phrase “My name is homeland”.

For the lady video art was most effective medium to take ACTUAL ART to her heart and for ACTUAL ART constructive dialogue between art and nation was accomplished!
Nino Gujabidze.


Waiting by Gia Bugadze

http://www.giabugadze.com/