Can you tell us about the process of making your work?

First of all I prepared a background for this painting, the room is rendered in 3D with wallpaper on the walls in a monochromatic color palette. Next step is working with live models. I almost never make sketches for my paintings, so I directly paint on the canvas; this is a very precise work so I must be very careful with every brushstroke

How would you define your work in a few words (ideally in 3 words)?

Transparent, monochromatic and dynamic.

Would you use another three different words to describe the “The Boys in the Room” painting?

From the ongoing series of live models.

How did you come up with this painting idea?Is there any story behind this painting?

In the beginning of the 2020 year I went back to paint live models and this series promised to be very interesting for me. I was pretty excited to work with models, especially with people whose physical appearance or dressing style is appealing to me. But unfortunately, we went into the very difficult time of pandemic so I had to stop inviting models into my studio. I have continued painting my daughter and myself among other subjects. By the end of the lockdown I re-opened my studio for the live models so this painting is about that. In general, I can say that this is my last one work in the series of People Stuck in their rooms.

What colour is used the most in this painting?

As you can see there are mostly grey, ochres, black and terracotta. This painting is rather different in terms of the color palette then my earlier ones. I used to use that palette before 2015.

What would be the best way to exhibit your work?

I guess that the best way for exhibiting this series would be in its entirety, from the beginning to the end.

Can you mention any artists you, lately or generally, take inspiration from?

Lots of artists inspire me during my art life. My all-time favorites are: Louise Bourgouis, Henry Matisse, Mark Rothko, Franck Auerbach, Henry Taylor, Danny Fox, Sam Doyle, Purvis Young, Neo Rauch, Edouard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard, etc. etc. etc.

How do you know when this painting was finished?

I just look at the painting and see if there is nothing to add so the painting is finished, it’s happening itself.

What about the place where you work? What’s your studio space look like?

My studio is situated in the old part of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, the country. It’s a small and cozy studio, but soon I should move to the bigger one. Hopefully, it will happen in the nearest future.

Is there any particular message that you wish your viewers can take from this painting?

On the one hand it can be just a regular painting with fashionably dressed young people, but on the other hand there is a hidden message behind it. You can see the phantasmagorical creature staying on the table, a cross between the human and animal,something what comes from the past and ties us with the future, something what includes all the fears we will ever have.

What does your mum think about your art?

Oh, such a difficult question 🙂 My Mum likes my more realistic stuff, but accepts everything I do. Next month I am going to paint her portrait, she is almost 80 years old  and she was the main person who helped me to become an artist.

Which exhibition did you visit last?

It was the group show “In the Search of the Miraculous” at Museum of Modern Art Tbilisi, Georgia that included three of my works.

Which are your plans for the near future?

In Tbilisi, there is plan for my solo show this year and there are several solo and group shows planned for 2021 in Europe.

Additional Paintings

All images are courtesy of the artist

@rusudan_khizanishvili

http://rusudan-khizanishvili.com