The George Chubinashvili National Research Centre recently became home to an extraordinary artistic exploration, where Merab Kopaleishvili’s latest exhibition brings Vazha-Pshavela’s literary world to life — one brushstroke at a time.
A Visual Journey Through Georgian Myth
On March 17th, the Chubinashvili Center unveiled an intimate, private viewing of Kopaleishvili’s paper series, The Tale of the Roe. This hauntingly beautiful collection reinterprets Vazha-Pshavela’s symbolic universe, transforming words into vivid, emotional imagery.
The exhibition plunges viewers into a reimagined version of the iconic Georgian writer’s prose, where deer — symbols of cosmic balance — take center stage. Each piece unravels a visual thread from Vazha’s work, intertwining myth with melancholy. Kopaleishvili strips down the narrative, letting emotion drive the story instead.
Symbols, Sadness, and Striking Simplicity
Kopaleishvili’s artistic voice thrives in simplicity. His forms are basic, almost childlike, yet layered with meaning. This “naive” style isn’t accidental — it’s intentional, drawing viewers in with raw, unfiltered emotion.
The symbolism is unmistakable:
- Deer: The heart of the cosmic structure, embodying life, death, and rebirth.
- Generalized figures: Stripped of detail, focusing attention on the emotional weight.
- Minimalist storytelling: Less about plot, more about feeling — loss, longing, and tragedy.
Dr. Mzia Chikhradze, Senior Research Fellow at the Chubinashvili Center, explains it best: “The artist’s imagination becomes the driving force. He translates Vazha-Pshavela’s essence into visual tragedy, blending intuition and raw perception into one evocative whole.”
Merging Fantasy with Reality
Kopaleishvili doesn’t just mirror Vazha-Pshavela’s world — he reshapes it through his own lens. His interpretations flow between reality and fantasy, pulling viewers into an emotional whirlwind where sorrow reigns.
One piece, in particular, stands out: a lone, ghostly roe deer, head tilted skyward, surrounded by barren lines that twist like wind-whipped branches. It feels as though the deer is part of the landscape — or perhaps, the landscape is part of the deer.
This fusion of nature and spirit echoes Vazha’s core theme: humans and the natural world, forever intertwined. It’s a powerful reminder of the writer’s lasting influence on Georgian identity and culture.
Why This Exhibition Matters
Kopaleishvili’s work resonates beyond the gallery walls. It stirs something primal, reflecting not only on Vazha-Pshavela’s universe but also on our own sense of belonging and loss.
The Chubinashvili Center, known for preserving Georgian art and heritage, is the perfect backdrop. The exhibition underscores the center’s mission: to connect the past with the present, bridging literature, art, and national identity.
For those who missed the private viewing, the series is expected to be available to the public later this month — and it’s a visual journey worth taking.
