Shalva Nikvashvili:
limited riso print (2023)
42 x 29.7 cm
series of 10
signed and numbered in verso
not framed
This print was created at Paper Can Dance as the part of the As We Grow program, led by Shalva Nikvashvili.
As We Grow is our 14day educational research programe taking place at SVĚTOVA 1 and field trips to nature, workshops, second-hands or other institutions. At its core lies intergenerational dialogue and the exchange of experiences between participants chosen via open call and a selected leading artist. Each iteration is unique and designed in a dialogue with all who are taking part. AWG encourages learning through making attitudes and culminates in a group exhibition. In 2023, we strengthened our AWG and focused on supporting early-career artists. The second AWG of 2023 is led by Shalva Nikvashvili.
Shalva Nikvashvili (@shalvanikvashvili) is a contemporary artist born in Sighnaghi, Georgia, in 1990, currently residing and working in Germany. He is known for his multidisciplinary art practice, which spans across different mediums such as painting, sculpture, performance, film, and costume design.
Nikvashvili's art explores identity issues, and his transgressive approach to traditional portraiture creates thought-provoking and visually striking works. His portraits often blend abstract and representational elements, challenging the boundaries of portraiture and visual art. In addition to his visual art, Nikvashvili has worked as a costume designer for leading opera and theatre houses such as the Burgteater in Vienna, Austria, and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, Germany. His costume design work showcases his ability to combine his artistic vision with a practical application, resulting in visually stunning and functional costumes that enhance the performance.
Nikvashvili's films are similarly engaging, exploring themes of identity and using his unique style to create compelling and thought-provoking works. His performances often feature live interventions, blurring the line between artist and viewer and challenging the traditional art experience. His playful interventions can also serve to highlight social and political issues, creating a space for critical reflection and discussion.
Nikvashvili's diverse artistic practice is marked by his ability to create works that are simultaneously visually striking and conceptually rich. His unique approach to exploring identity issues through his art has garnered him critical acclaim, and his work continues to evolve, challenging the boundaries of the traditional art world.