Inside the Studio: Nino Eliashvili
In the world of contemporary art, few artists possess the ability to capture the delicate balance between the spiritual and the tangible as eloquently as Nino Eliashvili. Hailing from Tbilisi, Georgia, Nino’s artistic journey has been deeply influenced by her background in fashion design and fine arts, both of which inform her ethereal style. Her work dives into the complexities of human existence, touching on emotions, identity, and the universal themes that bind us all together. Today, we’re delighted to sit down with Nino to explore the symbols, mediums, and experiences that shape her creative process.
Read on to learn more in an exclusive interview with Nino Eliashvili :
1. Your work is known for its ethereal quality and exploration of spiritual and emotional states. Can you share how your background in fashion design and fine arts influences these themes in your drawings and illustrations?
My journey through fashion design and fine art deeply influences my drawings and illustrations. Fashion design has taught me to appreciate the fluidity of forms, textures, and the subtle nuances of fabric, which I translate into delicate shapes and flowing watercolor compositions. Fine arts training has given me a strong foundation in understanding the human body and emotions, allowing me to convey deeper meanings and spiritual connections through my work. Together, these disciplines allow me to create pieces that resonate visually and emotionally, blending the tangible with the intangible.
2. Watercolor seems to be a medium you handle with great skill, imbuing your work with deep emotional undertones. What draws you to watercolor, and how does it complement the themes you explore in your art?
Watercolor captivates me with its unpredictability and fluidity, echoing the emotional and spiritual themes I explore. Its transparency allows for overlapping layers, creating depth and nuance that align perfectly with the ethereal quality I strive to achieve. The medium’s ability to flow and blend mirrors the complexities of human emotions, making watercolor ideal for expressing the intangible and evoking deep emotional responses.
3. Your artwork is described as having a unique symbolic language that opens up a world of interpretive possibilities. Can you discuss some of the recurring symbols or motifs in your work and what they represent?
In my work, recurring motifs like seashells, the human body, and floral elements play a central role. Seashells represent the mysteries of the subconscious and the protective layers we build around ourselves. The human body serves as a vessel for emotions and identity, exploring vulnerability and strength. Floral motifs symbolise life’s natural cycles—beauty, fragility, and renewal. Each symbol contributes to the interpretive possibilities, inviting viewers to engage with the art on a personal level.
4. You aim to inspire people to discover beauty in unusual things. Can you share a moment or experience that particularly influenced this goal in your artistic journey?
A visit to a remote coastal area deeply influenced my goal. There, I encountered worn seashells along the shoreline—each one weathered but uniquely beautiful. This experience taught me to see beauty in imperfection, a theme that has since become central in my work.
5. In your compositions, you balance dreamlike, surreal elements with grounded themes of human existence. How do you approach this balance, and what role does it play in your creative process?
I begin with concepts rooted in the human experience—emotions, relationships, and time. From there, I incorporate surreal elements that elevate the ordinary. This balance allows me to create relatable work while opening up interpretations beyond the confines of reality.
6. Your work often delves into topics such as sexual identities and suppressed emotions. How do you navigate these complex subjects in your art, and what message do you hope to convey to your audience?
I focus on portraying the human experience with honesty and compassion. By using symbolism and metaphor, I explore identity and emotions in multidimensional ways, contributing to conversations about self-acceptance and the beauty of human diversity.
7. Can you talk about the influence of Georgian culture and your hometown of Tbilisi on your artistic practice?
Tbilisi’s blend of old and new architecture inspires me to merge traditional and contemporary elements in my art. Local traditions and modern influences intersect in ways that are deeply rooted in my heritage while remaining open to global perspectives.
8. As someone who works with multiple mediums, including acrylic, watercolor, and oil, how do you decide which medium to use for a particular piece? Does the subject matter guide your choice of materials?
Each medium has its own qualities, and I choose based on the narrative or mood. For ethereal subjects, I use watercolor. For depth and richness, I explore oils. My last exhibition pushed the boundaries of oil painting, mimicking the transparency of watercolor but maintaining the depth of oil, blurring the lines between mediums.
Nino Eliashvili’s work invites us to look beyond the surface and embrace the complexities of life—its beauty, imperfections, and deeper meanings. Her delicate blend of surrealism and grounded themes of human existence leaves viewers with a profound connection to the art, as well as a space for personal interpretation. Through her symbolic language and mastery of multiple mediums, Nino continues to inspire us to find beauty in the unusual and unexpected.
You can learn more about Nino Eliashvili and her work via these links: Instagram: @ninoeliashviliio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninoeliashviliio
Website: https://ninoeliashvili.com/
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