A Deep Dive into Memory, Identity, and the Body Through Art
Kristine Tusiashvili’s “Poetics of Perception” is set to open on November 22, 2024, in Tbilisi, inviting viewers to engage with a thought-provoking exploration of identity, memory, and the societal forces that shape how we see ourselves. This new exhibition, hosted at Art Conference Tbilisi, will offer an in-depth look at Tusiashvili’s unique approach to art, blending performance, photography, and video works to examine the fluidity of self-perception in contemporary society.
The exhibition promises to be a space where the boundaries between personal experience and collective memory blur, providing an opportunity to witness the artist’s exploration of how our bodies and identities are constructed within social frameworks. With the opening reception set for November 22, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the exhibition will kick off a series of discussions and artistic reflections. A public talk is also scheduled for November 29, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering a chance for deeper engagement with the themes of the work.
The Concept Behind “Poetics of Perception”
Tusiashvili’s work is grounded in performance and photography, yet it takes a bold step further by engaging with video as a medium to explore human experience. “Poetics of Perception” delves into the complexity of how we perceive our identities, how those perceptions are influenced by external societal forces, and the way memory shapes the narratives we tell about ourselves.
Tusiashvili’s practice creates a visual language that interrogates identity as performative. In her work, ordinary gestures and objects take on new meanings, inviting the viewer to consider how actions and behaviors are not only shaped by personal choice but also by societal expectations and norms. Through this lens, she challenges the viewer to reflect on the invisible forces that impact our understanding of who we are.
By highlighting the tension between personal agency and societal influence, “Poetics of Perception” encourages viewers to reconsider how much of their self-image is truly their own and how much is constructed by external influences. This theme will undoubtedly resonate in a time when concepts of identity are in constant flux, making the exhibition highly relevant to contemporary discussions around memory, individuality, and socialization.
An Invitation to Reflect on the Social Constructs of Identity
Tusiashvili’s work is not just an exploration of the self but also an invitation to consider the broader social constructs that influence the way we live and present ourselves to the world. In a society where norms and expectations constantly shape our actions, this exhibition pushes us to question how much of what we do is shaped by external forces rather than intrinsic personal desire.
The exhibition’s video works will juxtapose everyday actions and familiar objects, presenting them in new and thought-provoking ways. By recontextualizing these elements, Tusiashvili brings attention to the performative nature of life, making it clear that identity is not something we simply “are,” but something we continuously “perform” based on the social roles we are expected to play.
This critical examination of identity and perception is precisely what makes “Poetics of Perception” so powerful—it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world we live in. Whether through subtle shifts in the portrayal of familiar objects or the deliberate presentation of social gestures, Tusiashvili’s work engages with the complexities of human life in a way that invites dialogue and reflection.
The Venue: Art Conference Tbilisi
“Poetics of Perception” will be displayed at Art Conference Tbilisi, a space dedicated to the research and promotion of Georgian contemporary visual arts and photography. Known for its forward-thinking approach to art, the venue is an ideal backdrop for Tusiashvili’s work, which challenges the traditional boundaries of art-making. This collaboration between Unarchived Semiotics and Art Conference Tbilisi offers a platform for artists who are interested in the intersection of various time layers, concepts, and mediums.
The venue’s commitment to artistic research and its focus on contemporary issues makes it the perfect space for an exhibition that delves deep into the evolving understandings of identity and memory. As Tusiashvili’s work continues to question the norms that govern our lives, it is fitting that it is presented in a venue that fosters innovation and critical thought within the realm of visual arts.
A Platform for Artistic and Curatorial Research
Unarchived Semiotics, the collaborative multimedia initiative behind the exhibition, seeks to merge different time layers, concepts, and experiences to present a multifaceted perspective on contemporary issues. In partnership with Art Conference Tbilisi, this platform offers an opportunity for audiences to engage with art that goes beyond aesthetics, providing an avenue for intellectual exploration of how time, identity, and perception intersect.
By bringing together artists, curators, and thinkers from diverse fields, Unarchived Semiotics creates a space where art is not only seen but also experienced and analyzed. “Poetics of Perception” is a testament to this approach, encouraging deeper reflection on how we shape and are shaped by the world around us.
