Modernism in Georgia – an Organic Segment of the Culture Policy

Abstract

Georgian modernism, which began to take shape in the 1880s-90s and fully emerged in the early 20th century, became a defining element of national culture over the following decades. It clearly reflects the nature of this type of art, its unique creative energy, and the rapidly changing artistic trends during a period marked by significant upheaval. Georgian modernism is not just an artistic movement but also a socio-political phenomenon—an integral part of cultural policy and a manifestation of multiculturalism. Based on this broad and initial assessment, the main objective of my research was to conduct a comprehensive study of the modernist cultural processes in Georgia from 1900 to 1936, including the historical, political, and cultural contexts that influenced and shaped these processes, and to consider contemporary cultural policy in this light. For this purpose, I analyzed the most significant creative outputs of Georgian modernism by evaluating the works and lives of both Georgian and non-Georgian modernist artists, writers, and directors, using methods of historical reconstruction, analysis, and synthesis. Given the complexity of the research, I focused on the creative influences, cultural exchanges, and stylistic innovations present in these works, as well as the cultural diversity and ethnopolitics of the time that were reflected in them, either deliberately or incidentally. Alongside the artistic and cognitive analysis of individual works, I also addressed the socio-political factors that led to significant historical events and influenced diverse artistic processes, particularly modernist cultural thought, both globally and in Georgia. As a result, I presented Georgian modernism as a component of cultural policy with social implications, marking a scientific innovation in its interpretation. In addition to the historical context, I approached Georgian modernism as a contemporary and innovative artistic movement that embodied European cultural values in both content and form. This perspective offers a significant opportunity for positioning Georgia on the path to European integration, promoting Georgian culture, and fostering international cultural relations. Through cultural diplomacy and "soft power," Georgian modernism allows the country to present itself on the global stage not only as an independent cultural entity situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe but also as part of the European cultural family, civilization, and values. This relevance of Georgian modernism to foreign audiences has been demonstrated in recent years through numerous events—exhibitions in prominent international museums and participation in global festivals—that have showcased Georgia's cultural heritage in a dignified manner as the country continues its journey toward European integration.