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A comprehensive new publication uncovers the life, art, and enduring legacy of Georgia’s most celebrated artist, Niko Pirosmani.

In the cobbled streets of old Tbilisi, amidst bustling markets and flickering lanterns, Niko Pirosmanashvili—known simply as Pirosmani—painted life as he saw it: unadorned, soulful, and deeply human. Now, a century after his passing, Niko Pirosmanashvili: A Study of His Life and Art brings his story vividly to life, offering the most comprehensive exploration yet of this self-taught artist who rose from obscurity to become one of Georgia’s most enduring cultural icons.

This richly illustrated volume chronicles Pirosmani’s extraordinary journey, from his humble beginnings as a shepherd in rural Georgia to his years as an impoverished painter in Tbilisi. Through essays, archival photographs, and reproductions of his iconic works, readers are invited to explore a world of grand feasts, serene landscapes, and portraits of animals imbued with quiet dignity.

The Timeless Vision of a Self-Taught Genius

Pirosmani’s art is celebrated for its unvarnished honesty, drawing admiration from Georgian and Russian avant-garde artists who recognised the profound emotional depth in his depictions of everyday life. His naïve style resonates with the ethos of early Modernism, which sought inspiration in folk traditions and non-academic art forms. While his name stands apart from figures like Picasso or Rousseau, Pirosmani’s work reflects a universal appeal that transcended borders, connecting the artistic movements of his time to a uniquely Georgian sensibility.

The book situates Pirosmani within a broader cultural context, exploring his influence on the Georgian avant-garde, his parallels with Henri Rousseau and Vincent van Gogh, and his posthumous recognition as a master of naïve art. His works—feasts, animals, and village scenes—capture the soul of a nation, offering a vivid portrait of early 20th-century Georgian life.


A Labour of Love

The creation of this book spans nearly five decades, conceived by Georgian artist Tengiz Mirzashvili and designer Arkady Troyanker in 1977. Their meticulous research, coupled with essays by luminaries such as Orhan Pamuk and Aka Morchiladze, offers an unparalleled perspective on Pirosmani’s life and enduring impact. Contributions from art historians Bice Curiger and Erast Kuznetsov further illuminate how this Georgian icon captured the imagination of artists and collectors worldwide.


Why This Book Matters

Niko Pirosmanashvili: A Study of His Life and Art is a fitting tribute to an artist who painted not for fame or fortune, but to immortalise the beauty and spirit of the world he knew, it is a window into Georgia’s cultural soul. For collectors, art enthusiasts, and those with a love of history, it is an indispensable resource that celebrates the universal power of creativity.


Book Details

  • Title: Niko Pirosmanashvili: A Study of His Life and Art
  • Authors: Tengiz Mirzashvili and Arkady Troyanker
  • Forewords by: Orhan Pamuk and Aka Morchiladze
  • Published: September 2024
  • Format: Hardback
  • Price: £95 / €115 / US$145
  • ISBN: 9781911397946
  • Available at: Leading art bookshops, museum stores, and online retailers such as Amazon and Thames & Hudson

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Arts and Lifestyle Editor at  |  + posts

Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.