Welcome to the perpetually young art scene of Tbilisi – fun, lively and dignified in equal measure. If you’re interested in diving a bit more into the city and finding the hubs where its artistic side flourishes, then this is the article for you.

E.A. Shared Space

As they describe themselves, E.A. Shared Space is a curatorial project. As it is regularly a host for art shows of artists, both local and foreign, that take part in shaping the artistic direction of the city’s art scene. The constant flux and intermingling of people and culture bases the space’s identity on it being a hub for creatives and unexpected meetings, as the directing team supports a merging of different interests and art mediums, such as zines, which they display a wide variety of. All in all, it is a space that will welcome you into the city, share with you its artistic inclinations and make a friend of you.

E.A. Shared Space. Photo source: artforum.com

LC Queisser

When it entered the scene LC Queisser quickly proved itself to be an integral player among the art galleries in Tbilisi. It is often a part of major international art fairs like Art Basel and Paris Internationale that establishes for them a wide outreach.

LC Queisser Tbilisi. Photo source: contemporaryartdaily.com

LC Queisser showcases and patrons artists newcomer and well-established, local and foreign alike, which serves their purpose of establishing an exhibition program that is balanced and resonates far and wide. Their shows can definitely be the highlight of a day spent exploring the city and its unique and ever-evolving culture.

Gallery Artbeat

A close neighbor of E.A. Shared Space, gallery Artbeat doesn’t betray its name as an active, beating art-pulse located in the heart of the city. In an array of major international art fairs the gallery showcases a mostly all-georgian artist line-up.

Gallery Artbeat. Photo source:  instagram @gallery_artbeat

Once inside, it becomes obvious the space seems inclined to installations, as it is divided in a way that seems optimal for installation-based storytelling. Aside from the shows, the way artists transform the space is always something to look forward and keep an eye out for.

4710

The young energy of 4710 is undeniable. It brims with energy as one walks up on winding stairs, overlooks the old Tbilisian ezo and walks into the exhibition space which is usually dedicated to a young, up-and-coming Georgian artists.

Gallery 4710. Photo source: gallery4710.com

The exhibitions here usually worm their way into a very intimate part of you, as the experimental nature of artists’ works bares the soul of the exhibition unlike anything else, the space often transforming completely along with the works to accommodate their unbridled nature. Located in one of the oldest parts of the city, on a reasonably steep road leading to the Mtatsminda mountain, it is definitely a must visit.

Window Project

Here comes a space that marries the art of window shopping and art appreciation. The large, open-window display of Window Project extrudes the exhibitions presented inside onto the whole street, making it impossible to just pass-by.

Window Project. Photo source: Google Maps Window Project

One of the most memorable moments about this gallery space for me, is a moment of stumbling upon an exhibition opening while walking to the bus stop to wrap up the day, which in any other case I would have passed by, as the gallery spaces in Tbilisi tend to be secluded and hidden from view, but the open concept of the gallery allowed for me to have a wonderful evening filled with art and friends. As such, Window Project is a memorable place that will burrow itself into your memories.

The Why Not

The Why Not began its journey as a vitrine in an underground passageway, fully encompassing the “Why Not” part of their name. The space is fully dedicated to experimentation. Their exhibitions often vary to the extremes, showcasing the different layers of the city, but that is exactly what its charm is.

Why Not Gallery. Photo Source: www.thewhynotgallery.com

One day you might chance upon a contemporary architecture exhibition by young aspiring architects, or one of the most impactful multi-media art installation-exhibitions by some of the most promising young up-and-coming artists, which always makes it a fun visit. The gallery also has a gift shop that displays trinkets, clothes, photographs and rugs alike, mostly handcrafted by local young creatives.

Fabrika Project Space

A bit different from the others on this list, the exhibition space of Fabrika, rather than being dedicated to showcasing or curating a contemporary art experience, is often a host of chaotically various types of shows.

Fabrika Project Space. Photo source: fabrikatbilisi.com

Its selling point must be the location and connection to the constant hustle and bustle of Fabrika hostel itself, surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants locals frequent, lending the gallery life, easy access, and interest. But that’s also exactly why you can often find promising young artists’ and oftentimes students’ solo or group shows that don’t get much exposure but speak much of the current trends and directions of Georgian art.

Campus Gallery

A recent addition to the city is the Campus Gallery. As the name suggests, the gallery is an exclusive exhibition space for the students of Visual Arts, Architecture and Design School of Free University of Tbilisi. The gallery regularly showcases the accumulated student work throughout the year, which gives it its unique flare – the works are often experimental, almost always on the frontlines of respective fields.

Campus Callery. Photo source: VAADS FB page

The exhibitions are usually accompanied by open studios – opening up the students’ workspaces and letting the viewers look in on the process and effort behind it all. Campus Gallery is a staple for the art scene in Tbilisi, a show of budding new talent and a peek into the future.