The Design Inspired by Political Protests in Tbilisi:
Artists Tika Shilia and Ano Jishkariani decorated an apartment in Tbilisi using design elements inspired by the recent political protests in the city. This project demonstrates how art can serve as a tool for resistance in Georgia.
In the “Conspiracy Bar” exhibition, held with the support of “Constell Tbilisi,” the rented apartment was transformed into a space reflecting a collective response to the current political reality. This exhibition was the result of a collaboration between the two artists, who are part of the multidisciplinary collective Shelia and Jishkariani. They aimed to evoke the concept of the “imaginary home” within the context of the Tbilisi protests.
Symbolism in the Design:
The artists filled the apartment’s spaces with a collection of objects carrying strong symbolism connected to the memories of the protests. They used items such as lasers, whistles, anti-riot fences, and raincoats—tools used by protesters to protect themselves from water cannons. These elements are not just design materials. At their core, they affirm the revolutionary spirit and social struggle the people of Tbilisi are experiencing.
Defense of the Exhibition Against Protests Against Georgian Government Laws:
The “Conspiracy Bar” exhibition was organized in response to the protests that occurred in Georgia in 2023 and 2024. These protests followed the Georgian government’s controversial laws. The laws were widely condemned for undermining democracy and restricting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Violent Response and Transformation into a Safe Space:
The violent response from the government to the protests inspired artists Shilia and Jishkariani to create the “Conspiracy Bar” as a safe space. This space aimed to bring people together. They wanted to encourage open dialogue and promote collective thinking about the political situation in Georgia.
Historical Symbolism in the Title:
The title of the exhibition refers to the term “conspiracy apartment,” which was used in the Soviet era to describe secret places for underground meetings. Through this title, the exhibition reflects the artists’ intention to provide a platform for artists and participants to express their opinions freely.
Creating an Intimate Space and the Impact of Protests on Identity:
To create a private and intimate space, artists Shilia and Jishkariani incorporated personal elements like a clothing table and a mirror embedded in the floor. These details, inspired by their family homes, made the exhibition feel more like a home. This enhanced a sense of intimacy.
The Symbolism in Combining Protest and Furniture:
By merging protest symbols with traditional furniture, the artists highlighted the daily routines of protesters. The aim was to not only remind viewers of the protests but also show how political and social conflicts affect personal and collective identity. These familiar elements, so close to home, expressed the profound changes in people’s daily lives within the context of the ongoing political crisis.
Protests and Their Impact on Individuals:
In their conversation with Dezeen, the artists noted that while protests are often seen as public and external events, their impact on individuals is profound. They emphasized that protests influence people’s emotions and behaviours, leaving lasting marks on their surroundings.
The Impact of Protests on Daily Life:
By transforming protest elements into domestic furniture, this artwork highlights how political struggles permanently affect daily life. It also reflects how external conflicts shape both individual and cultural narratives. This deepens our understanding of how politics intertwines with personal and collective lives.
Protests and Their Impact on Individuals and Society:
In their interview with Dezeen, the artists explained that protests are often seen as public and external events. However, they emphasized that these events leave a profound impact on individuals. They affect emotions, behaviors, and even influence the surrounding environment.
The Shift from Political Symbolism to Daily Life:
By transforming protest items into domestic furniture, the artists demonstrate how political struggles leave an imprint on daily life. This transformation illustrates how external conflicts shape individual and cultural narratives. It reveals the intricate connection between politics and personal as well as collective realities.
Showcasing a Private Apartment with Unconventional Designs:
The exhibition presents a private apartment, transformed in a single day with unconventional design elements. Notably, the exhibition repeatedly uses the birdcage motif in many components. This creates a poetic contrast with solid metal structures, subtly linking the designs to themes of division and protest.
Symbolism and Design:
Among the standout pieces, the artists designed a series of daybeds made from stainless steel, which resemble police batons. These stark, utilitarian structures are softened by padded blankets crafted from available fabrics. This brings an element of comfort and humanity to the design.
Political Influence on Georgia’s Design Scene:
Shilia and Jishkariani explained that the political climate in Georgia has deeply influenced the design scene. Some creators have organized protests against the government’s suppression of art and design, reflecting the direct impact of politics on the artistic field.
Creative Expression and Resistance Amidst Political Tension:
The artists shared that “the current climate is tense.” They highlighted how many in the community view creative expression as a crucial part of the struggle for freedom. This underscores the strong connection between art and protest in these challenging times.
Art as a Tool for Resistance:
Despite the ongoing challenges, the artists emphasized that art and design continue to be powerful tools for resistance. These tools mirror the urgency of the present moment and reflect the community’s call for change. Through their work, the artists stress the importance of artistic expression in confronting political repression.
Creative Expression as Part of the Political Struggle:
The artists remarked, “The current climate is tense,” emphasizing that many in the community see creative expression as deeply connected to the fight for freedom. This viewpoint underscores that in today’s world, art is no longer just an aesthetic pursuit. It has become a powerful tool for political and social struggle.
Art as a Tool for Resistance and Change:
Despite the political challenges artists face, they pointed out that art and design remain vital tools for resistance. These tools reflect both the urgency of the present situation and the ongoing desire for change and social transformation. Art continues to inspire action and reflect the community’s hopes for a better future.
Studio Foundation and Interdisciplinary Projects:
In 2021, artists Shilia and Jishkariani established their studio after meeting at the VA[A]DS Free University in Tbilisi. Their studio focuses on exploring cultural, social, and political themes through interdisciplinary projects. These projects seamlessly integrate various aspects of art and society. There is a strong emphasis on community engagement and collaboration as core elements of the creative process.
Global Art Projects:
The artists have also worked on several impactful global art projects. For example, they created a vibrant sound installation for the Sculpture Garden in Shanghai. Additionally, they designed an angular installation using 3D-printed clay for the Desert X exhibition in the Coachella Valley. This highlights their ability to blend technology with traditional art, delivering innovative and immersive artistic experiences.
