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Georgian Photographer David Tabagari s Alternative Tbilisi
Exclusive Interview New talents are emerging in various fields of art in Georgia, and photography is no exception. Photography has always been popular in Georgia, since the very introduction of the field, and the latest technological advancements and diverse opportunities are now enabling these photographers to create amazing works that go viral on social media and tell stories about people, events, and more. In this regard, the most distinguished and aspiring self-made Georgian photographer is 22-year-old David Tabagari, who has already earned fame through his impressive works on social media. The young photographer is known for telling real stories through portraits of ordinary people of different professions, such as fireman, sailors, police, miners, etc. Yet, he has also become famous for his images of night-time Tbilisi. The photographer lately held a public meeting, where he gave insight into his work and shared his experience with the audience. GEORGIA TODAY has had the pleasure of watching his career develop over the last few years, and in this interview, we explore how David started on his journey as a photographer.   How did you start your career in photography? When I was 5-6 years old and playing with other kids, I saw everything as a scene to be captured. At the age of 12, I started taking photos with my mobile, and gradually my interest towards photography evolved. Then I bought a small digital Sybershot camera and started out on my first steps into proper photography. This camera served me two years and in this period I took my first photos in my hometown Chiatura. This is well-known town notable for its soviet architecture, cable cars and mines. Later, my parents gave me a camera with which I embarked on a photographic career more seriously and actively. Through practice and travelling a lot, I developed quick pace photography, walking the streets and capturing everything I met on my way. I can say with pride that I’m a self-made photographer and I have not attended any training or classes in this direction. I think learning through one’s practice and mistakes is the best way to perfect your skills and shape yourself as a professional in a particular field.   You regularly go out into Tbilisi and capture alternative Tbilisi at night. You managed to depict winter Tbilisi from an absolutely different perspective and elevate the New Year’s mood among the citizens. Tell us more about your night journey. I started capturing night Tbilisi around a year ago. The work process at night is really interesting and unusual since I try to depict what is not visible to people as a rule. During the daytime, the city is familiar, yet the night city is totally different with its illuminations and buildings. I try to work almost every night, heading out at around 11-12 o’clock and getting home at 5-6 in the morning. To be honest, it is really exhausting to work at night in such circumstances, especially in winter when its freezing. The conditions for taking photos are bad and there is a high chance camera’s objective to be spoiled due to the cold; yet the riskier the process is, the more interesting and adventurous it is for me. I think the key to my success lies in thorough work and great commitment to my job.   What are you working on right now? Currently, I work for Tbilisi City Hall, which saw my photos on social media, liked them and made me an offer to work for them. I have been employed for two months now and I’m honored to work with the team. Name some key moments in your career to date. My portfolio includes several projects for National Geographic, namely a reportage about the Borjomi forest fire, how firemen worked to extinguish it, the results, its present state and what is planned for the future. Additionally, I won the National Geographic project named ‘Nature around us’ – my photo was published in the magazine. My image depicted an abandoned factory in the city of Kutaisi occupied by moss and plants, demonstrating that nothing can withstand the power of nature. Right now, I’m trying to focus on discovering and depicting alternative Tbilisi at night by photographing buildings and people.   What interests you most about photography? Although I’m working towards a Bachelor’s in Law at the Technical University, photography will remain my primary occupation. I’m particularly interested in working in hot spots, and I like urban and street photography, since you can capture and transfer real emotions into an image. It is very emotional to work with ordinary people: I try to photograph real faces and retain the authenticity of their emotions. For me, photography is not solely a field of art, but part of my life and the best way to reflect reality and communicate with people. What I like most about photography is how my camera has allowed me access to places, people and situations I would never otherwise be around. I remember the photo I took on December 28, 2015, that received a massive outcry among the public. I captured an old lady freezing in the street and selling herbs, she was covered in snow and you could barely see her face. As I said, I always try to catch and picture real human emotions, and this poor saleswoman is a clear example of it. When I woke up in the morning, I had a feeling I’d take an important picture that day. The photo went viral on social media and was published by many media publications. The image received positive feedback among the public, and some people even started searching for that woman to help her.

CNN Features Abandoned Tskaltubo Spa
CNN has reported on the abandoned Tskaltubo Spa complex and how the spas have become home for a community of refugees.  Titled ‘the abandoned Soviet-era spas a community of refugees calls home’, the article covers the work of Dutch-Canadian photographer Ryan Koopmans who has spent 5 years photographing the decaying sanatoriums.  Tskaltubo used to be one of the most luxurious and popular spas along the Black Sea. However, as the Soviet Union crumbed, so did the sanatorium, as nature was left to run its course. However, life remained in Tskaltubo. After the fall of the Soviet Union and the outbreak of war for the independence of Abkhazia, refugees fled from their homes in Abkahzia and discovered the abandoned corridors of Tskaltubo. To this day, refugees and the children and grandchildren of the original settlers, still live amongst its decaying rooms. Despite no light, heating or running water the spa’s residents “have had to adapt and create their own makeshift means of survival,” said Koopmans. They even tend animals and vegetables on the spa grounds. Today, the spas are slowly coming to the attention of investors who are beginning to buy back land and renovate dilapidated buildings. As a result, the Georgian government has finally begun re-homing refugees as developers draw up plans to relaunch the spa as a luxury tourist destination. 

Patriarchate Releases Statement Regarding Developments around Jvari Monastery

Georgian Actor Merab Ninidze to Join a Cast of World Stars
A forthcoming drama by Dominic Cooke called Ironbark will feature Georgian actor Merab Ninidze along with other world-renowned cinema stars, including Academy Award-nominated Benedict Cumberbatch, Golden Globe winner Rachel Brosnahan and BAFTA nominee Jessie Buckley. The plot of the film is based on the story of British spy Greville Wynne, played by Cumberbatch, and his work during the Cold War, particularly during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The film is in post-production and the part of Merab Ninidze plays in it has yet to be revealed. Ninidze is a famous Georgian actor who has gone beyond the limits of his motherland and strongly established himself in the arena of world cinematography. His most memorable characters were seen in the following works: Repentance, Roots, My Happy Family, Hostages, Nowhere in Africa and Paper Soldier. He is also known for his roles in the British-American TV series McMafia and the drama Jupiter s Moon by Kornél Mundruczó. Nowhere in Africa, where Ninidze played the role of Walter Redlich, won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002. Set for release this year, Ironbark is Ninidze s latest work.

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