Georgia is a land of many legends. One of them tells that when God was dividing the lands among the peoples, the Georgians were busy feasting in celebration of the creation of the world. After raising their toasts, they finally arrived, only to discover that they were late. Then the Georgians said: "Forgive us, dear Lord, for being late: we were drinking to your health." God thought for a moment and said: "I had saved a piece of land here for myself, but for your openness and sincerity, I give it to you! Remember that this land is exceedingly beautiful and beyond compare, and throughout the ages people will admire and marvel at it." And so it came to pass, just as the Almighty had said. For many centuries now, everyone has bowed before the beauty of this small but proud country: writers have dedicated novels to it, artists have painted pictures...

Gallery artist Olga Mashkina visited the homeland of Tsereteli and Okudzhava and, inspired by its picturesque landscapes and welcoming atmosphere, created a series of works dedicated to Georgia. Here are her impressions and works:

I remember a morning when everyone is asleep. Sunlight along the narrow lanes, across the fairy-tale carvings of doors, balconies, flowers….
History is in the air. History and life.
The old houses have awakened. Black silhouettes of women hurrying to morning service appear, shops selling freshly baked hot bread open their doors, sleepy children rustle their bags as they trudge to school, and the city fills with warmth.
Everything acquires a sense of belonging.
I wished I had been born and raised there, so I could call good morning to a neighbour from the inner balcony, whisper with an old woman... Joke with schoolchildren. Know them. Share the same life with them.

And in the evening, the air will be rich and heavy with the scent of flowers and berries. Old men will play backgammon and drink wine, children will run about and laugh brightly. The silhouettes of lovers will show languidly through the windows.

Everything here seems suffused with a certain light, life dense and self-contained. They do not look back; they simply look you in the eye, touch your hand, offer you tea, and tell of an extraordinary, abundant life. You want to listen forever... in a shady garden, gazing at the blue mountains rising on the horizon, serene and immense. To listen forever, feeling the tart taste of Kindzmarauli on your lips... to listen forever and to live.
It was a film.
A little sad, like all fairy tales.

Olga Mashkina’s “Georgia” series: 

Works from the “Georgia” series and other paintings by Olga Mashkina will be available for purchase at the Kvartira S Gallery exhibition from 1 to 3 July, 10:00–19:00.