GELA MIKAVA

Gela MikavaInterviewer: Good day, Gela! It's a pleasure to have you here. Your journey as an artist seems incredibly fascinating, starting from winning your first art competition at the age of 6 to exhibiting alongside renowned artists like Andy Warhol and Banksy. How does it feel to have achieved so much at a relatively young age?

GELA MIKAVAGela Mikava: Thank you for having me. It's been quite a journey indeed. Winning that first art competition at such a young age was an encouraging moment for me, and it ignited my passion for art. Exhibiting alongside artists I admire has been surreal; it's a humbling experience that motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in my work.

Interviewer: Your choice of canvas, the Soviet-era cotton fabric stretch ceiling, is unique and carries a significant historical weight. Can you tell us more about why you chose this particular medium and how it influences your artistic expression?

Gela Mikava: Certainly. The Soviet-era cotton fabric stretch ceiling, often discarded during renovations, holds a special significance for me. These ceilings bear the marks of time, embodying the stories and memories of generations past. By repurposing them as my canvas, I aim to give new life to these forgotten materials while also weaving their history into my art. It's a way for me to connect with my cultural heritage and explore themes of memory and identity in my work.

Interviewer: Your multidisciplinary approach to art, influenced by your background in architecture, is evident in your diverse use of materials and techniques. How do you navigate between these different mediums, and what do you hope to achieve through this eclectic blend?

Gela Mikava: My background in architecture has certainly shaped my artistic vision, encouraging me to explore unconventional materials and techniques. I see each medium as a tool for expression, and I enjoy experimenting with combinations that evoke unique textures and visual effects. By embracing this diversity, I aim to create artwork that stimulates the senses and invites viewers to engage with it on multiple levels.

Interviewer: Your "Abstract Face Series" delves into the complexity of human emotions and experiences, challenging the conventional perception of faces. What inspired you to explore this theme, and what do you hope viewers take away from your artwork?

Gela Mikava: The human face has always fascinated me as a subject of exploration. Behind every expression lies a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences, often concealed beneath the surface. With the "Abstract Face Series," I aim to peel back the layers and reveal the enigmatic depths of the human psyche. I want viewers to engage with my artwork on an emotional level, prompting introspection and reflection on their own inner worlds.

Interviewer: Finally, what are your aspirations for the future of your artistic career? How do you see yourself evolving as an artist in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art?

Gela Mikava: My aspirations for the future are twofold: to continue pushing the boundaries of my own artistic practice and to contribute to the broader dialogue of contemporary art. I see myself evolving by embracing new challenges and experimenting with innovative concepts and techniques. The art world is constantly evolving, and I believe it's essential for artists to adapt and evolve along with it. I'm excited to see where this journey takes me and to continue sharing my vision with the world.

Interviewer: Gela, your background as a displaced person from Abkhazia adds another layer of complexity to your identity and artistic expression. How does your personal history inform your art, and do you find yourself exploring themes of displacement and identity in your work?

Gela Mikava: Absolutely. Being a displaced person has profoundly influenced my perspective on the world and my artistic practice. The experience of displacement carries with it a sense of longing, of being uprooted from one's homeland and searching for a sense of belonging elsewhere. These themes of displacement and identity often find their way into my work, as I grapple with questions of home, memory, and cultural heritage. Through my art, I seek to shed light on the experiences of displaced communities and to explore the resilience of the Interviewer: Your participation in prestigious events like the Affordable Art Fair and Battersea Art Fair in London has undoubtedly exposed your work to a global audience. How do you perceive the reception of your art in different cultural contexts, and do you find that your work resonates differently with audiences from diverse backgrounds?

Gela Mikava: Exhibiting my work in different cultural contexts has been an enriching experience, allowing me to connect with audiences from diverse backgrounds. I've found that art has a universal language that transcends borders and resonates with people from all walks of life. That being said, I do think that certain themes and motifs in my work may resonate more strongly with audiences who share similar cultural experiences or historical backgrounds. It's fascinating to see how different cultural perspectives can enrich the interpretation of my art and spark meaningful conversations.

Interviewer: Your commitment to advancing the dialogue of contemporary art is evident in your constant artistic evolution. Can you give us a glimpse into any upcoming projects or themes that you're excited to explore in your future work?

 Mikava: I'm always exploring new ideas and experimenting with different concepts in my art. One theme that I'm particularly excited to delve into further is the intersection of technology and art. As we move further into the digital age, I'm intrigued by the possibilities that emerging technologies offer for artistic expression. I'm also interested in continuing to explore themes of memory and nostalgia, particularly in relation to my own experiences as a displaced person. Overall, I'm excited to see where these explorations take me and how they inform my future artistic endeavors.

Interviewer: Thank you, Gela, for sharing your insights and artistic journey with us. Your passion for pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions is truly inspiring. We look forward to witnessing the evolution of your art and the impact it continues to have on the contemporary art world.

Gela Mikava: Thank you for having me. It's been a pleasure discussing my work with you, and I'm excited to continue sharing my artistic vision with the world.