Patara Gallery will be exhibiting Vato Bakradze’s audacious solo show, ‘Goalpost of Nature’, which runs from 3 August to 30 August 2024. This exhibition is a conceptual exploration of nature and man-made constructs that combines striking visual elements with conceptual rigor. The gallery is open by appointment for viewings, but the installation can be viewed from the outside at any time.
Redefining Boundaries : The Conceptual Framework
Vato Bakradze’s ‘Goalpost of Nature’ draws its conceptual roots directly from Iakob Gogebashvili’s 1868 book Door of Nature. The title of the exhibition and its thematic exploration are based on the duality between nature and artificial constructs. Bakradze uses the same term in Georgian for “door” as he does for “goalpost”, a linguistic nuance that enables him to juxtapose the man-made and the organic.
This conceptual duality is manifested through a massive installation that resembles a football goalpost made from cardboard sheets. This work not only mirrors the architectural features of the gallery — its slanted ceiling and walls — but also creates an optical parallel with the large, angled flags seen in sporting stadiums. This design choice highlights the tension and dialogue that exists between the natural world and the constructed world, and invites viewers to reconsider their relationship to both.
Architectural Synergy – Exhibition Design and Space Integration
Patara Gallery is located in an underground passageway near Vake Park. It offers a unique and atmospheric environment for art. Visitors must make an appointment to see the exhibition inside, but the installation can be viewed from the outside at any time. This allows visitors to enjoy the exhibition at any hour of the day or night.
The design of the installation reflects a deep engagement with Patara Gallery’s spatial characteristics. The slanted architecture of the gallery and the incline surfaces of the cardboard goalpost create a dynamic yet harmonious interplay between art and environment. This integration highlights Bakradze’s acute awareness of space dynamics, transforming his gallery into an extension to his artistic vision.
The collages are displayed prominently on the inclined planes in the installation. They contrast with the rough, urban texture and sleek, reflective properties that the cardboard surfaces have. This interplay of textures adds to the visual complexity of this exhibition. It draws viewers into a multidimensional experience that reflects the physical and conceptual layers.
Collage Innovations – Technique and Texture
Bakradze’s collages are at the heart of ‘Goalpost of Nature.’ They use adhesive tape to create an layered, painterly look. This technique adds a modern twist on traditional collage techniques, with the reflective tape emulating the varnish used in classical paintings. This technique not only adds a glossy and tactile dimension to the artworks, but also challenges the viewers’ perceptions by making them both visually dense and conceptually dense.
Bakradze’s innovative use of adhesive tape in the collages reflects his innovative approach to materiality. By integrating tape into the composition as a visible component, the artist creates an engaging dialogue between the layers and surface texture.
Artist Profile: Vato Bakerdze’s Artistic Journey
Vato Bakradze is a young talent with a solid academic background. Bakradze, a graduate of the Visual Arts, Architecture, and Design School at Free University, continued his studies at Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti (NABA), in Milan, and Chelsea College of Arts, in London. Bakradze’s first solo exhibition outside of an academic setting, ‘Goalpost of Nature,’ marks a significant milestone for his career.
Bakradze is a major figure in contemporary art. This exhibition showcases his technical and conceptual abilities. His innovative use and spatial awareness place him at the forefront a new generation of artists exploring the intersections between natural and artificial elements.
Curatorial vision and institutional support
Gvantsa Jishkariani’s ‘Goalpost of Nature,’ a curatorial project that emphasizes the spatial and thematic integration of Bakradze’s work, benefits from an nuanced approach. The exhibition, which is supported by Tbilisi City Hall demonstrates the gallery’s commitment towards fostering innovative artistic practice and engaging the local communities in contemporary art dialogs.
The exhibition ‘Goalpost of Nature,’ at Patara Gallery, is a compelling exploration of the interplay of nature and human constructs. Vato Bakradze’s bold approach to collage art and installation art, coupled with the gallery’s supportive and dynamic environment, makes this exhibition an important addition to Tbilisi’s cultural landscape.
By Ivan Nechaev
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