Artistic Couples: Keti Dzidziguri
As part of our ongoing project with BI Auction to introduce Georgia’s artists, and before we introduce you to this week’s creative talent, we spoke to Bengü Akçardak Küçük, the Founder Partner of BI Auction.
“We are extremely excited to be back with the restart of the ‘Artistic Couples’ project - collaborating with our favorite media outlet, GEORGIA TODAY,” she said. “We started in February with Mamuka & Lia with great enthusiasm but could not go further with the project due to the pandemic. Then we “healed” with the ‘Artworks @ Corona Days’ project, lasting 10 weeks and introducing 12 young artists. Now it is time to ‘NORMALIZE by ART’ restarting our interviewing of ‘Artistic Couples’ of Georgia. I hope your readers will enjoy discovering them,” Bengü said, going on to explain her interest in the project.
“For me, this project is more than just introducing artists: it is also an attempt to think more about how it is to live with a spouse of the same profession. I always feel (not only feel but also have experience of it) that when you live with a spouse that shares the same education and/or profession, it can get quite difficult, because you can hear the worst criticisms from them and you always feel that tension. At the same time, I strongly believe that without tension, you cannot progress, so it can also work out very productively,” Bengü says.
Last week, we presented Polikarpe Klibadze. This week, we give you his spouse, Keti Dzidziguri. Through her answers, you will find that living with a fellow artist, one can also find a harmony that pushes you to be your productive best self.
Who first introduced you to art? How and when did you start painting?
Just like any other kid, I started painting early, when I was five. The first person who introduced me to it, and encouraged me to do it, was my grandma. She and I used to make Christmas ornaments together, and that for me was the greatest source of happiness.
Who had the biggest impact on your work early on in your career? Do you have a favorite artist/movement?
The first real impression art made on me goes back to when I was six: it was the works of Petre Otskheli that I saw in his sister’s house. I remember the paintings and the feelings they sparked in me vividly even to this very day.
I think it would be objective to say that each era has its own genius, and I couldn’t possibly name one.
How important do you deem professional education in shaping an artist?
I think it’s very important; something crucial; something like a foundation for a young aspiring painter. It is professional education that gives us an opportunity to develop and find ourselves.
Have you had to overcome any challenges in your pursuit of art?
The pursuit of art is very difficult, because it is a process that never ends. I think I still have a long way to go to be able to call myself an artist.
Could you tell us of the advantages and disadvantages of living with a fellow artist?
In my case, it’s a totally positive interaction. Our approaches to painting are in harmony and do not dispute each other. I guess that would not be the case for all artists living together, but for me, personally, there is no negative side to our professional relationship.
What would you say about the contemporary Georgian art scene?
I believe there are very high-class works made in Georgian fine arts and fresco scenes. At the same time, in my opinion, the road that Georgian art has to travel to establish itself firmly on global terms is still quite long.
What is your biggest inspiration today?
The state of working. Constant dynamic and movement, like life itself.
What do you think art’s main mission is?
I think art is designed to explain something very inexplicable, and that is what we, in reality, call life.
What do you want to tell people through your art?
I want to show people my unconditional love and respect for painting, through my artworks.
The modern art scene is ever-changing. What is the future of painting in this reality?
I’m a believer that everything new is well-forgotten old. Painting sustains itself. The differences between the movements and art directions will probably become more evident. The ways will be split and everything will reveal itself as it is.
What are your future plans?
I just see myself working and re-working on new and old material.
Do you have any advice for artists just starting up?
I would tell them to work as much as they can, to travel, visit museums and to search for themselves in order to be interesting. Every talented person has the ability to find themselves in this incredible gift that we call painting.
What do you think art auctions in general, and BI Auction in particular, play in promoting art?
Art auctions, as a source of artwork realization, have only recently established themselves on the Georgian market. I think this type of selling is a great opportunity for an artist to present themselves to society and popularize their artistic approach. It is also important that this process positively impacts the artist’s self-esteem and confidence.
By Nini Dakhundaridze
About BI Auction ‘for ART’: BI Auction is the first Art Auction Company of Georgia, established in 2016. The company’s aim is to promote Georgian art and artists and enlarge the market. In four years, BI Auction ‘for ART’ has organized eight auctions and presented more than 450 paintings from 125 Georgian painters. In every auction, the collection is selected from among a thousand paintings from the well-known legendary artists of Georgia and also from promising young artists. For more information, please contact biauction1@gmail.com