Ketuta Alexi-Meskhishvili, Tulip Season for Henri (2024)
On 9 April 1989, a peaceful demonstration by students in Tbilisi was violently put down by the Soviet army, resulting in many injuries and deaths. Since then, tulips are a symbol and reminder of resistance against Russian imperialism. Exactly 36 years later on 9 April 2025, the exhibition making food out of sunlight by artist Ketuta Alexi-Meskhishvili opens in the freely accessible space The Eye in the Van Abbemuseum. The artist shows the power of image and memory in times of oppression.
Ketuta Alexi-Meskhishvili's work consists of dye-sublimation prints (a printing technique where ink is absorbed into the material by heat), analogue photographs and film. Her work examines the role of art as a form of resistance. She reflects on the power of image and memory in times of oppression. Alexi-Meskhishvili emphasises her floral works in this exhibition. For instance, tulips and other flowers symbolise resistance and solidarity while making us reflect on the fragility of peace. The presentation reminds visitors of the current situation in Georgia and the corresponding threat from the Russian Federation. Alexi-Meskhishvili draws inspiration in her work from surrealist artist Florence Henri (made famous mainly for her photography).
Text from : Van Abbemuseum
April 9, 2025 - November 30, 2025
Related artist
1
of 31