Georgian photographer Natela Grigalashvili is presenting a deeply personal photographic exhibition centered on Tagveti, the village where she spent most of her childhood years alongside her parents and brother. The exhibition, which runs from September 4 through October 11, offers viewers an intimate glimpse into the rural Georgian landscape that shaped her early life and artistic vision.
The photographer's connection to Tagveti has inspired two distinct photographic series that form the foundation of this exhibition. One series serves as a tribute to her mother, capturing the personal and familial bonds that define her heritage. The second series explores her profound attachment to the Georgian countryside where she was raised, documenting the landscape and community that influenced her development as both a person and an artist.
Over the years, Grigalashvili has observed how the boundaries between these two photographic projects have gradually dissolved, creating a unified artistic narrative. Today, her work presents visitors with a singular, cohesive space that encompasses multiple layers of meaning - her personal life story, her childhood memories, her family history, and the collective experiences of the villagers who call Tagveti home.
As part of the exhibition programming, Grigalashvili will participate in a special discussion on Saturday, September 6, at 5:30 p.m. During this event, she will discuss her photographic work and present her two published books: "Tagveti, a Village in Georgia" and "The Land of the Doukhobors," both released by Editions Images Plurielles. The talk will provide insight into her artistic process and the stories behind her documentary photography.
The exhibition is being held at Librairie Galerie Maupetit, located at 142 La Canebière in Marseille's 13001 district. This venue combines the functions of both a bookstore and gallery space, making it an appropriate setting for showcasing work that bridges literature and visual arts through photographic storytelling.
