Art Gwangju 2014
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A Cat, 82X62cm, oil on canvas, 2013
There are people who don’t love me, but look at me I’m so cute, 70x90cm, acrylic on canvas, 2013
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Alexander ANTADZE (1972~)
Georgia, one of fifteen countries that used to be affiliated to the Soviet Union, prides in having one of the richest cultures. As the Georgian alphabet testifies, the country has shown a distinct cultural identity since its founding in 4th century BC. It is even fair to say that its culture drove Georgia to defend its country despite the numerous foreign attacks. In addition, its capital T’bilisi, located on the path between Europe and Asia, functioned as the bridge to connect the East and the West. Therefore, Georgia’s culture, being formed in a place where multiple cultures coexists, has a unique appeal no other European country’s culture has. Alexander Antadze has been greatly influenced by his motherland’s culture. In this exhibition, he portrays the various animals one encounters in T’bilisi’s natural environment. His works’ subjects painted in diverse colors demonstrate happiness with their cheerful faces. However, merriment is something rather quite distant from the artist’s actual life because it is difficult to find such pleasure in a country where constant social disruptions and conflicts with its bordering nations exist. Such phenomenon is a problem that not only Georgia faces, but also one the entire international community confronts. Against this pressing problem, Antadze feels both skepticism and vocation as an artist. In his works, he tries to focus on the small joys and amusements that exist amongst the numerous conflicts and struggles. The artist’s attempt in finding happiness in the midst of extreme circumstances is not his way of denying and escaping from the situation, but his way of hoping to share even the smallest joy. Alexander Antadze, born in 1972, studied fine arts at Georgia’s T’bilisi State Academy of Arts. The artist held his first solo exhibition in London in 2003, and for the past ten years, has been gradually building his profile mainly in Europe by showing in England, France, Switzerland, Netherland, Russia, and Georgia. Education Tbilisi State Academy of Fine Arts Solo Exhibitions 2013 "LOVE" Gallery SUN Contemporary, Seoul, Korea 2009 “24 Hour”, 15 Perovskaia Str. Tbilisi, Georgia 2008 “Christmas Exhibition” 15 Perovskaia Str. Tbilisi, Georgia “Ngallery & Sandro Antadze” 15 Perovskaia street. Tbilisi, Georgia “Embassy of Georgia in Israel ” Tel Aviv, Israel. “L’Arcade Chausse-Coqs” Vieille-ville 16. Geneva, Switzerland, Merie de Lunel. Lunel, France. 2007 Gallery “Artstable”. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Embassy of Georgia in Hague, Netherlands. “Arci” Gallery, Abuladze street 5, Tbilisi, Georgia, 2006 Galerie “Ruines” rue des Vollandes 5, Geneva, Switzerland, “L’Arcade Chausse-Coqs” Vieille-ville 16 . Geneva, Switzerland, “Arbat” Georgian cultural centre Mziuri. Arbat 42. Moscow, Russia “POSITIVism” Contemporary Arts Museum of Russia. Petrovka 25, Moscow, Russia 2005 “TMS” Gallery, Rustaveli ave. 16 Tbilisi, Georgia “Gudauri“ Gallery, , Resort Gudauri, Tbilisi, Georgia 2003 “Peace and Colour Gallery” Gallery 54, Mayfair, London, UK Group Exhibition 2008 London festival of architecture. London, U.K.. “New Generation” Mariot Hotel. Tbilisi, Georgia 2006 “Caucasus Biennale Declaration” Baratashvili st. Tbilisi, Georgia “Opt-Art”Gov. Centre of Contemporary Art. Zoologicheskaya 13. Moscow, Russia “Art-Manege Grafica” Tishinka 1. Moscow, Russia. 2004 “Soviet Artists Show” Town Hall. Mancheste,r UK. 2003 “Islington arts factory”. Main Gallery. London, UK 2002 “Peace and colour gallery” Gallery N27, Cork Street. London, UK. 2001 “Peace and colour gallery” Gallery N 27, Cork street. London, UK “N” Gallery, “exhibition” Tbilisi, Georgia 2000 “Peace and colour gallery” Gallery N 27, Cork street. London, UK. 1996 “Georgian Artists Show” El-Kuwait, Kuwaitures by Seoul City |