Natela Grigalashvili
© Natela Grigalashvili
Exhibition Preview: Saturday 5 October, 12 - 2pm
Mountainous Adjara is a unique region in Georgia where traditions and old ways of life are preserved. However, the area's isolation has long been a challenge, with recent decades particularly difficult. Economic and social struggles have hindered development and integration with the rest of the country. Inhabitants faced educational gaps, inadequate healthcare, and frequent electricity shortages, especially during harsh winters. These conditions have led to depopulation and the fading of the region's unique lifestyle, with many families becoming eco-migrants, moving to other regions or abroad, mainly to Turkey. Due to small populations, many villages only have elementary schools, requiring high school students to travel. The damaged roads and faulty infrastructure further complicate life. Most residents are Muslim cattle breeders who are nomads, moving to mountain pastures in summer and returning in late autumn. Despite their efforts, men often seek seasonal work in Turkey for additional income.
Opening Hours
Wednesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm
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Natela Grigalashvili is a freelance documentary photographer based in Tbilisi, Georgia. In the past Grigalashvili has worked as a photo reporter as well as a film operator. The artist mainly works on long-term documentary projects in the rural areas of Georgia focusing on the lives and issues of people living in villages and provincial cities.