Georgian Painting and Architecture

Georgian painting is represented by the works of such masters as legendary Niko Pirosmani, Gigo Gabashvili, David Kakabadze, Lado Gudiashvili, Cornelius Sanadze, Elena Akhvlediani, Sergey Kobuladze, Simon Virsalasze and Ekaterina Bagdavadze. Famous Georgian sculptors include Eldudzha Amashukeli, Irakli Ochiauri and Zurab Tsereteli.

Architecture in Georgia ranges from post modern high-rises to art nouveau dwellings, Indo-Islamic theatres to Soviet modernist monuments and public works, Orthodox Christian churches to Ottoman mosque complexes.

Tbilisi’s architecture is a microcosm of various cultural influences exerted in Georgia throughout history up to and including the twenty-first century. Styles in neo-classical, baroque and Greco-roman are prominent in the city center near Tavisuplebis Moedani. Chardin area is a labyrinth of turn-of-the-century alleys and corridors which host the most vibrant nightlife in the Caucasus.

Batumi is currently experiencing a boom in construction featuring modern office towers, luxury hotels, and lavish condominium high-rises. Kutaisi boasts impressive sculpture and official buildings.

Georgian Orthodox churches and monasteries are definitive examples of authentic Georgian architecture. Sameba in Old Tbilisi is a famous pilgrimage site. The city of Mtskheta, just south of Tbilisi, is the center of religious architecture but other religious marvels are found across Georgia.