The Tbilisi Mural Festival has been steadily transforming Georgia's capital city into an expansive outdoor art gallery since its establishment in 2019. The festival's organizers, who also create artwork under the collective name TMF Studio, have a straightforward yet ambitious mission: to convert the entire city of Tbilisi into one enormous public exhibition space through the power of contemporary mural art.
The festival addresses a common urban challenge by turning unattractive, blocky building developments into spectacular works of art that span entire building facades. These large-scale paintings serve a dual purpose, providing visual pleasure for residents and visitors while creating a more welcoming and vibrant urban environment throughout the city. The murals have become integral to the character of both commercial and residential neighborhoods across Tbilisi.
Most of the recent artwork created for the festival features representational imagery that celebrates Georgian culture and daily life. Artists frequently depict people engaged in traditional activities such as grape harvesting and folk dancing, connecting the contemporary art form with the region's rich cultural heritage. International artists participating in the festival bring diverse artistic styles and techniques to their work, often adapting their designs to fit the unique vertical compositions required by the narrow sides of multilevel buildings.
The festival showcases an impressive range of artistic approaches, from figurative and geometric designs to abstract compositions. Notable works include pieces by artists such as Afzan Pirzade, who has collaborated with TMF Studio on multiple projects including works in the Dance series. Other featured artists include Edoardo Ettorre, who created "Concrete Horizons," and Fintan Magee, who contributed "Girl in Mirrors." Afzan Pirzade has also worked with local artist Besik Maziashvili on "The Most Sacred Connection of All," which was photographed by David Chalodze and Anano Kekelia.
The mural program continues to expand each year, with new artworks being added to engage viewers throughout different areas of the city. The festival's growing collection demonstrates how public art can revitalize urban spaces and create meaningful connections between international contemporary art and local communities. Those interested in learning more about the festival and viewing additional artwork can visit the official website and follow the project's Instagram account for updates on new installations and participating artists.
