Patron of the Arts
The Catholic Church is an important and unequivocal supporter of the arts. Suffice it to think of the works of Michelangelo, Raffaele, Bramante, works of art in the Vatican Museums, or masterpieces readily seen worldwide throughout the Catholic world. One can say that “Art raises the spirits”, invites one to “rise to the occasion” or even “reflect on a question”.
The Apostolic Nuncio, H.E. José A. Bettencourt, is a patron of the arts and visited the Tbilisi Academy of Art, now in the final phase of completing restoration work in its main building. The Nuncio spoke with the Rector of the Tbilisi Academy of Art, Maestro Giorgi Gugushvili, an accomplished, world renowned, master painter. Maestro Gugushvili counts with works on display at the Georgian National Museum (Tbilisi), Atchara Museum of Art (Batumi), Oriental Museum (Moscow), Christopher Merian Sfiftung (Basel) and Norton Dodge Collection (Philadelphia) amongst other institutions.
Rector Gugushvili accompanied the Apostolic Nuncio in a wonderful visit through the newly restored building also visiting areas that are still under renovation. The Tbilisi Academy of Art has its origins in the 1850’s, but underwent various organizational transformations throughout its existence. It is housed in an historic landmark building that features a number of rooms including the stunning “Mirror Hall”, sumptuously adorned by Qajar artists and reminiscent of oriental palaces. The Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the diplomatic corps was pleased to have been the first ambassador to officially visit the newly restored Tbilisi Academy of Art.
The prestigious higher educational institution supports and encourages Georgian artists. Through the years it has developed faculties of painting, graphic art, sculpture, ceramics and departments of textile, costume design, woodwork, metalwork and industrial art, amongst other areas of artistic expression. Great names of Georgian and international artistic repute have walked through these hallowed halls and many more have been connected to the institution over the years.
The Apostolic Nuncio appreciates Georgian arts and supports young Georgian artists. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss current artistic trends and expressions reflecting contemporary life. Art has always been a medium of expressing social and political observations and aspirations. One might say that art is indeed an important “pulse” of life and in its own way serves as a historical record. Maestro Gugushvili is particularly proud of his students emanating from various regions of Georgia. Today, talented Georgian artists show pride in their common Georgian artistic heritage and aspire to be part of a country that continues to make an ever greater mark on the artistic world scene.
