Luka Kurashvili: Shouting quiet moments

In Georgian artist Luka Kurashvili’s first solo exhibition in the gallery, he shows large scale paintings where strong contrasting colors set the mood for everyday scenes of deep conversations and social situations. Despite their elaborate nature, the works have a quiet, sensitive feeling about them as they zoom in on small character groups sharing intimate moments in abstract environments reminiscent of bars, elevators, and street corners. 

By only gesturing to a set architecture, landscape and space, Lukashvili’s work makes the eye zoom in on the relations - the characters' particular gestures and body language, and on oddly added objects. There are wine glasses, thrown empty bottles, plastic cups and a banana peel, lots of cigarettes and animals running free – all props that give the works characteristics and the feeling of impermanence, like the moment could be missed if we do not pay close attention. [...]  In most of Kurashvili’s work, the viewer is a quiet voyeur, standing at the end of the bar, letting the scene play out. 

This way of storytelling about moments that are both shouting and quiet, can be traced to how Kurashvili works and gathers material. With his sketchbook and camera, he is always ready to catch the fleeting, subtle everyday, but important moments that tell us much about the human experience. A special viewpoint and perspective that we are happy Kurashvili shares with us all in the gallery. 

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