Beyond the Hills

Gallery Artbeat presents Tamar Botchorishvili’s solo exhibition 'Beyond the Hills'. 'In my latest figurative works, I explore the complexity of the human body and its intricate nature. I particularly emphasize the nude body as a form of expression and empowerment. The compositions are not narrative but are entirely built on symbols. The portraits create a collective image rather than portraying individual identities. Through this approach, I provoke the viewer to reflect on how they perceive themselves and others. One of the recurring body parts in my work is the 'breast', a symbol that carries multiple meanings it is often viewed as an object of sexuality and desire, but also as something sacred and nurturing (as in breastfeeding). It becomes a symbol of longing, reflecting my perspective on autonomy and respect, inviting the viewer to engage with their own perceptions of identity and the body’s image. The breast serves as a powerful metaphor for freedom, representing liberation from societal expectations related to sexuality and the body's usage. Through this series, I aim to dismantle cultural and social stigmas that continue to complicate women’s lives and hinder their participation in civic, social, and political spheres. If we attempt to envision the future, it becomes even clearer that we must consider how the roles and functions of women and of people in general will evolve, what challenges we will face, and how these transformations will reshape our relationship with ourselves and our bodies. With this exhibition, I raise these questions and invite the viewer to engage in this reflection to imagine a future where freedom, autonomy, and self-determination are fundamental. In this context, our understanding of the body and identity is a deeply personal journey rather than a collective one, moving toward an inclusive and empowered society' - Tamar Botchorishvili. Tamar Botchorishvili’s (b. in 1980, Kutaisi) artworks represent an attempt of self-reflexion and self-understanding. Graphic drawings and objects created by combination of different materials and techniques tell the story of past experiences, drama and unexpected future. Artworks include small-sized sculptures and drawings. On the one hand, these artworks represent cheerfulness and a playful (toy like) aesthetics but on the other hand, they express topics like: family and society, body and sexuality, death and subconscious. The works take form from personal and collective experiences and are changing according to the meaning of different narratives. They speak about fundamental issues that dominate on all levels of society and transform dramatic contexts into cheerful playing forms.