CULTURE: Rare photos of Georgia’s iconic figures captured in 1990s by Guram Tsibakhashvili (georgianjournal.ge)

Photographer: Guram Tsibakhashvili

(georgianjournal.ge) 1990s was one of the hardest and most memorable periods that marked the transition from the Soviet era to the new modern epoch in Georgia’s history. After Georgian parliament declared its secession from the Soviet Union in 1991 and the country gained independence, a new era started in Georgia’s cultural life. Guram Tsibakhashvili, a famous Georgian photographer who is one of the most important figures in Georgia’s contemporary photography, depicted the rebirth of Georgia’s world of arts and music through the emerging underground cultures. The photographer, also known by his nickname Tsibakha, captured some of the most famous Georgian public figures, musicians, artists and actors of 1990s, who were distinguished for their extravagancy, different views, unusual style and most importantly, the bravery in expressing themselves freely. The album includes the early photos of iconic Georgian singer Irakli Charkviani, outstanding Georgian painter Irakli Parjiani as well as photo of the First Lady of Georgia Maka Chichua.

Guram Tsibakhashvili was born 1960 in Tbilisi, Soviet Republic of Georgia. In 1982 he graduated from Tbilisi State University. In 1990-1994 he taught theory of photography at the Tbilisi State University. Since 1988 he has been working for Georgian newspapers and magazines as a photographer. Guram has taken part in many solo and international group exhibitions in different countries. His photos stand out for their peculiar style and technique, different vision and deep meaning. 

more photos are here: georgianjournal.ge

Irakli Charkviani and Lado Burduli, by Guram Tsibakhashvili

Irakli Charkvian, by Guram Tsibakhashvili

Levan Abashidze's last photo , actor, by Guram Tsibakhashvili