Art in isolation: Spreading positive energy

In this time of crisis and isolation, the role of art becomes more central to our lives, whether we realize it or not.

In Georgia the Covid-19 pandemic started in late February and the Georgian government imposed a lockdown, shuttering non-essential businesses, including artists and galleries. The lockdown continued till the beginning of June.

“Due to the restrictive measures undertaken to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus, we decided to invite artists from different countries to document their experiences during the pandemic,” said George Gugushvili, Chair of the association Artguild.

Supported by the United Nations in Georgia, artworks created by artists from 7 countries during the pandemic were exhibited in Batumi, Georgia's seaside city and in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. The project, Stay in the Studio implemented by the association Artguild conveys the impact of isolation and the creative response of  artists to the crisis.

“In the uncertain times of the crisis, we supported  the Stay in the Studio project  to create new opportunities for artists, and bring up important messages of hope, resilience and support,” said Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in  Georgia. “I hope artists will continue to tap into creativity to further draw life under coronavirus”.

This exhibition not only brings together diverse works of COVID-19–inspired art, it also paints a picture of the power of international cooperation. 

The list of artists from Austria, Azerbaijan, France, Georgia, Lebanon, Poland, and Ukraine included: Ghassan Khalil, Daphne Bitchatch, Rena Amrahova, David Khidasheli, Makrine Tkebuchava, Ia Apsiauri,  Asmar Narimanbekova, Iwa Kruchkovska, Olga Galchynska,  Giorgi Rurua, Tomasz Awdziejczyk, Grigol Gvania, Mamuka Tsetskhladze, Giorgi Bolkvadze, Grigol Gvania, Beka Bolkvadze,  Luka Beselia, Lika Sharashidze, Zurab Kochalidze, Gela Gorgiladze, Maia Gersamia, Olesia Rybchenko, Tamar Mosulishvili,  Olga Kovtun, Taras Kuziv, Kateryna Kuziv, Vaxo Mdzinarishvili, and George Gugushvili.

Supporting the resilience of art during this difficult period is part of UN’s wider efforts to support  the country in Covid-19 response and recovery efforts.  The UN in Georgia is providing medical supplies to vulnerable and high-risk groups, supporting social protection programmes, assisting IDPs and returning migrants, sustaining jobs and livelihoods and addressing the surge in violence against women and children.