In the vibrant world of contemporary art, where traditional boundaries are often blurred, curator and independent researcher Mariam Shergelashvili stands out with her innovative platform, unarchived_semiotics. This collaborative initiative delves into the complex interplay of art, critical theory, and social narratives, fostering a space for both artistic expression and intellectual exploration. We sat down with Shergelashvili to discuss the origins, mission, and curatorial approach of unarchived_semiotics.
Origins and Inspiration
The idea of founding unarchived_semiotics began to crystallize during Shergelashvili’s involvement with the group show Trajectory of Thoughts at the Gori Art House in 2021. This experience illuminated the essential roles that critical and creative thinking play in artistic expression. “The platform emerged from a desire to explore how art can serve as a dynamic space for examining and challenging social and individual character,” she explained.
Shergelashvili’s background in curatorial practice has been instrumental in shaping the mission of unarchived_semiotics, which seeks to build interdisciplinary connections and create immersive spatial experiences. “I aim to move beyond traditional exhibitions, inviting audiences into a more nuanced engagement with art,” she noted. The platform employs a conceptual framework rooted in semiology—the study of signs and symbols—providing essential tools for understanding the complex languages of art.
Platform’s Mission
The mission of unarchived_semiotics is to highlight unconventional narratives and foster critical discourse within contemporary art. Shergelashvili believes that artistic forms have a unique capacity to reveal societal undercurrents and personal identities. “By focusing on these layers of meaning, unarchived_semiotics invites both artists and audiences to engage with the broader socio-cultural contexts that shape creative work,” she said.
This initiative is more than just a platform; it is a call for interconnectedness in artistic practices. “The methodological approaches inform the platform’s mission to connect creative exploration with critical discourse, making unarchived_semiotics a vital space for reflective and progressive artistic practice,” she emphasized.
Curatorial Approach and Thematic Focus
Shergelashvili’s curatorial approach is heavily influenced by poetic reflections and interdisciplinary exploration. This unique perspective enables her to address subjects and methodologies that challenge dominant cultural or commercial tastes. “To engage outside the mainstream allows for greater creative risk, granting artists the freedom to push boundaries and confront uncomfortable truths,” she explained.
One of the notable projects realized through unarchived_semiotics, Trajectory of Thoughts, merged existential themes with worn images and traces. This project expanded visual language by incorporating philosophical and socio-cultural insights in collaboration with a diverse group of artists, including Tornike Gognadze and Keti Kapanadze.
The latest group show, Ephemeral Manipulations, further exemplifies this approach by examining the “blur” between digital and physical realms. Shergelashvili collaborated with artists such as Thea Nili and Kristine Tusiashvili to highlight both visible and invisible aspects of artistic expression, emphasizing feminine and non-binary perspectives.
Through unarchived_semiotics, Mariam Shergelashvili not only fosters a dialogue around the nuances of contemporary art but also challenges traditional conventions, creating an inclusive space for experimentation and reflection. Her commitment to exploring the intersection of art, identity, and societal discourse marks unarchived_semiotics as an essential contributor to the evolving landscape of artistic practice.
