My name is Irina Mekhuzla, and my art resides in a realm where day meets dreams. Here, familiar narratives and objects are reimagined through my personal lens, shaped by my emotions and lived experiences. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, into a family of winemakers and artists, I am deeply influenced by my heritage, my country's folklore, and its rich natural environment. My upbringing instilled in me a profound respect and connection to the land and its offerings, teaching me to appreciate its beauty in all forms and recognize its potent force. My art is an intimate revelation, unveiling corners of my inner world, roots, incarnations, and reinventions of who I a m and what I feel. It is imbued with childhood nostalgia and my own perception of beauty.
Authenticity:
Tradition and Contemporary Fusion:
Connection:
Exploration:
My artistic vision is to create works that both captivate and resonate, bridging the gap between the ethereal and the everyday. Through my art, I strive to invite viewers into a realm where day seamlessly merges with dreams. Each piece is an intimate exploration of familiar narratives reimagined through my personal lens of emotions and experiences.
Rooted deeply in the rich tapestry of Georgian heritage and the natural beauty of my homeland, my work aims to reflect the mystical and the tangible, balancing nostalgia with a contemporary perspective. I am committed to expressing the depth of human emotion and the complexity of identity, using art as a medium to explore and celebrate the nuances of both the human form and nature’s perpetual beauty.
My ultimate goal is to foster a sense of connection and shared wonder, encouraging viewers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and reflection through the universal language of art. As Vasiliy Kandinksy said: “Art is a way of understanding the world and oneself.”
From a young age in Tbilisi, my vivid imagination fueled elaborate stories and adventures. After years of personal and professional growth and building inner confidence, I took the bold step of showcasing my art, which, while initially naive and primitive, vividly expressed my unique color sensibilities and emotional depth.
Initially driven to prove my capabilities in a more structured environment, I pursued higher education in marketing and embarked on a 15-year career in brand marketing for strong spirit brands, which kept me close to nature's cycles through the cultivation and harvest of grapes. This experience not only honed my professional skills but also deepened my appreciation for craftsmanship and the meticulous attention to detail necessary in both winemaking and art.
The turning point came when I decided to enrich my understanding of art through formal studies in art history. This academic pursuit opened up new vistas in artistic expression and introduced me to the freedom and boldness of the fauvists, which resonated deeply with my own artistic inclinations. Inspired to merge my professional insights with my personal passion, I embraced the ethos of 'fauvism'—bold, unbridled, and expressive.
Today, my art is a testament to this journey, reflecting a mature integration of my business acumen, cultural heritage, and artistic passion. It continues to evolve, driven by an unending quest to delve deeper into the themes of nature, femininity, and the interplay of emotions and experiences that define the human condition.