Born in Telavi, the infamous artist Elene Akhvlediani immersed in drawing from childhood. Akhvlediani’s first motivation was a famous writer Vasil Barnovi, who noticed her talent and said this in front of the whole class: “ A Georgian woman is a painter by nature. Let’s look at our ancestors’ knitting and embroidery. Their creators were genius painters, but they disappeared, known only through the small embroidered monograms. You Elene, you should paint, and do so often; Telavi and the Alazani field are waiting for their painters.” It is also important to emphasize that Akhvlediani’s paintings influenced the urbanization of the capital. Her exhibitions and connection to theaters were establishing a worldwide platform. When she returned to Georgia, Akhvlediani received a workshop, which soon turned into a gathering place for other artists. Additionally, there was a scene from “The Autumn’s Sun” shot in the workshop, where there were cameos from Elene Akhvlediani and Lado Gudiashvili. Akhvlediani wasn’t only a distinguished painter, but also as a person she was liked by everybody. Sergo Farajanov himself often said, “For me, Tbilisi is Elene Akhvlediani.” Article by Mariam Kartvelishvili Translated by Sali Mosiashvili Edited by Keta Gamtkitsulashvili
