This interview was conducted in December 2024 for George's 3rd solo exhibit at Art House SF, "The Magical Wishing Fish." Max Khusid met George in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, in September of 2018.
1) Why did you become an artist?
I was three years old when my parents took me to kindergarten. I felt sad when they left. When they came to pick me up at the end of the day, the kindergarten teacher said that I had been drawing all day. Since that day, I have been drawing all my life.
2) What motivates you now?
Art is not just a profession. For me, it is a constantly evolving way of thinking. The artist chooses the material according to his idea, but often, the material itself dictates the form.
Art is a way of communicating with the world, constantly learning about it (i.e., listening), and expressing yourself (i.e., speaking).
The mission of art is to address our constant thoughts and questions: who we are, where we come from, where we are going, and what life is.
3) Republic of Georgia, is it Europe or Asia? And why?
For the ancient Greeks, Georgia (or Colchis as it was then known) was located entirely in Europe. Colchis (13th to 8th century BC) and later the Kingdom of Iberia (4th to 2nd century BC) contributed significantly to the creation of the Georgian nation.
In Greek mythology, Colchis is known as the destination of Jason and the Argonauts and the home of Medea with the Golden Fleece. So, Georgia is a country with a centuries-old and rich culture, culturally within Europe.
Chakrulo is a Georgian polyphonic choral folk song recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage masterpiece. It was one of 29 musical compositions on the “Golden Record” sent into space on NASA’s Voyager 2 on 20 August 1977. The “Golden Record” contained information about our planet, its inhabitants, and its culture for whoever would find it in outer space.
Photos and videos from Max's trip to the Republic of Georgia in September 2018:
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