Niko Kukhaleishvili, a Georgian artist born in 1984 in the idyllic town of Zugdidi, western Georgia, has established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary art, particularly through his evocative plein air paintings that celebrate the rich textures and histories embedded in Tbilisi’s old streets. His artistic journey is a testament to his deep-rooted passion for art, cultivated from his early years as he transitioned through various art forms and experiences.
In 1986, when Niko was just two years old, his family relocated to Russia. This move marked the beginning of a multifaceted artistic exploration for Niko, as he was immersed in a new culture while remaining connected to his Georgian heritage. From a young age, Niko exhibited a strong inclination towards drawing and painting. His formal art education culminated in graduating from an art school, where he honed his skills and laid the groundwork for a career that would encompass various applied art fields, including mural painting, bas-reliefs, stucco work, and interior decoration.
These early experiences laid a diverse foundation for Niko’s artistic practice. His work in applied arts taught him the importance of craftsmanship and the value of materials, which would later influence his approach to painting. However, it wasn’t until later in his career that he would find his true calling in plein air painting—a practice that emphasizes working outdoors and capturing the essence of a scene in real time.
A significant turning point in Niko’s career occurred during a plein air session in Tbilisi in 2017. It was here that he recognized the pivotal role of working from life, an experience that would profoundly shape his artistic direction. Immersing himself in the natural light and changing atmospheres of the environment sparked a deep connection to the surroundings that he found inspiring. This newfound understanding ignited Niko’s passion for capturing not just landscapes, but the intricate details of urban life, particularly in Tbilisi.
As Niko’s artistic voice developed, so too did his presence in the art community. In 2016, he participated in an international ceramics exhibition, showcasing a panel bas-relief and a shell-shaped sculpture, which reflected his mastery of three-dimensional art forms. However, his reputation as a painter began to flourish in 2019 when he held a solo exhibition at the Novosibirsk Museum of Local History, featuring 65 plein air works created in Georgia. Among the exhibitions he participated in that year were a self-portrait exhibition and several regional group shows, which further solidified his recognition within the art community.
In 2020, Niko continued to broaden his horizons by participating in various landscape exhibitions across Russia. These opportunities allowed him to network with other artists and showcase his evolving style, which combines technical skill with intuitive expression. His journey led him back to Tbilisi, where he has lived since 2022, becoming a member of the Union of Artists of Georgia.
Niko’s artistic practice is deeply inspired by the urban landscape of Tbilisi, particularly its historical architecture. The old streets of the city, with their colorful alleys and cozy courtyards, are infused with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Niko finds himself particularly drawn to the old doors that grace these buildings. The weathered frames, diverse textures, and layers of paint tell stories of time, resilience, and change, echoing the lives of those who have passed through them.
His fascination with these details transcends mere aesthetics; he perceives the doors as symbolic gateways to the soul of Tbilisi, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and engage with the city’s rich history. Each door blooms with character, and Niko’s brushwork seeks to preserve these fleeting moments in paint. The artist emphasizes that often, it is the minutiae—an intricate lock, a chipped corner, or the interplay of light and shadow—that ignite his creativity and motivation to paint.
Niko Kukhaleishvili’s artistic style is a mixed approach developed over years of experimentation and introspection. He relies on a diverse array of tools, from traditional brushes and palette knives to his hands, cloth, and even simple plastic bags. This versatility allows him to vary his technique depending on the subject matter and the emotional state he desires to convey. His bold use of color and rich texture often captures the transient beauty of light and shadow in his scenes, infusing each painting with a dynamic sense of life.
The artist’s commitment to working en plein air has become a hallmark of his practice. By positioning himself in the heart of his subjects, he fosters a profound connection between his work and the world around him. Observation, presence, and engagement with the moment are at the core of his creative process. Niko’s art emerges as a reflection of his experiences—each painting a narrative crafted from the essence of Tbilisi and its storied landscapes.
In October 2024, Niko held a solo exhibition at the Art Palace of Georgia in Tbilisi, showcasing his latest body of work and reaffirming his commitment to artistic expression. Shortly thereafter, on July 1, 2025, he is set to participate in a group exhibition at iArt Gallery, sharing space with esteemed Georgian artists. This platform offers him the opportunity to further explore collaborative artistic dialogues while showcasing his unique perspective.
Niko’s ultimate goal is to preserve in paint the things that are quietly disappearing from the fabric of life. Each brushstroke is a plea for recognition of the transient nature of beauty and history, a call to cherish those moments before they slip away into obscurity. He aspires to inspire others to connect with their surroundings and appreciate the subtleties that often go unnoticed in everyday life.
Niko Kukhaleishvili is more than just a painter; he is a storyteller, a custodian of history, and a passionate advocate for the natural beauty and intricate narratives woven into the urban landscape of Tbilisi. Through his plein air paintings, he invites us all to pause, observe, and appreciate the profound stories hidden within the textures of old doors and the charm of cobblestone streets. Niko’s journey as an artist underscores the importance of connection—both to our surroundings and to each other—and serves as a reminder that art, at its core, is about exploration, discovery, and the celebration of life in all its forms.
Leave a Reply