'Art, as a metaphysical phenomenon, determines the spiritual level of the conscious and influences the development of society by affirming non material values.' —Niniko Morbedadze
Niniko belongs to a generation of Georgian artists whose career was forged in the turmoil of the disintegration of the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Born to David Morbedadze, a prominent Georgian architect, her artistic practice was shaped by the uncertainty of socio-political changes. Morbedadze prefers to work with acrylic, India ink, coloured pencil and pen. She places importance on composition, working thoroughly to elicit a sense of familiarity in her subject matters influenced by cinematography through her experience as a production designer. She constructs recognisable yet otherworldly landscapes as intricate scenes for intimate encounters. The figures pass one another, only to cross paths again in future scenarios. Her depictions of the human body configure the stoicism of sculptures yet nimble dynamism creates a sense of energy and flow.
In her own words, Niniko’s creative process is fuelled by the subconscious. Recounting it in mechanical terms, she notes that her brain creates while her hand acts as a conduit, allowing the manifestation of that which exists beyond her conscious self. It is in essence, a description of automatism, the concept borrowed by André Breton from psychology to define Surrealism. Influence of the Surrealist and Abstract Expressionist theories in Morbedadze’s work is evident in how she describes her creative process. Yet her style and execution differ to those typically associated with these movements. Niniko Mordedadze’s works have been acquired into private collections spanning from London to San Diego as well to public collections such as the Norton and Nancy Dodge Collection at the Zimmerli Art Museum, New Jersey. She has exhibited internationally in Venice, Basel, Pittsburgh and San Diego in addition to numerous solo and group shows in Georgia.
Graphic artist, film production designer
1975 – 1982 – Studied at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts. Faculty of graphics.
Solo exhibitions:
2023 - Retrospective at the National Gallery, Tbilisi, Georgia (September)
2022 - Continuum at CH64 Gallery, Tbilisi, Georgia
2021 - CH64 Gallery, Tbilisi, Georgia
2013 – Baia Gallery. “Campa Art-project.” Album Presentation.Tbilisi, Georgia
2011 – Gala Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
2010 – Chardin Art Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
1992 – “Inner Search.” International Images Gallery. Pittsburgh, USA.
Group exhibitions:
2018, 2019 TAF – Tbilisi Art Fair. Georgia
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 – Chardin Art Gallery, Vernissage Gallery, Vanda Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 – Baia Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
2009, 2010 – “Fest I Nova,” Art-villa Garikula.Akhalkalaki, Georgia.
2004 – “Metamorphosis,” Venice International Biennale of Architecture. Italy.
2002 – Universe Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
2001, 2003, 2004 – Tbilisi History Museum.Georgia.
1997 – N Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
1996, 1998, 1999 – Modern Art Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
1996, 1999 – Orient Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
1995 – Hobby Gallery. Tbilisi, Georgia.
1993 – “Inside and Outside.” Bell Gallery. Basel, Switzerland.
1989 – R.B. Stevenson Gallery. San Diego, USA.
Film Production Designer:
2019 – “The Other Me”. Executive producer David Lynch. Director Giga Agladze.
2006 – “If This Day Never Happened.” Film Director K. Giorgobiani.
2001 – “On the Road.” Baiacedez films productions. Film Director M. Kobakhidze.
1991 – “Noah,” Film Director N. Managadze.
1985 – “Birthday,” “Possessed by an evil spirit.” “Old Photo,” Film Director B.Giorgobiani.