Join us for a captivating exploration of Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, its rich past, and vibrant present.
Georgia scholar Stephen Jones will introduce the city of Tiflis (renamed Tbilisi in 1936), focusing on its neighborhoods, its long multiethnic history, and its growth as a major industrial city on the periphery of the Russian empire. He will argue that the city’s “personality” has been a major factor impacting Georgian history.
Following Prof. Jones's introduction, the talk will feature project author Nika Tbileli, who will discuss his “AI for Culture” platform, which he used to colorize 150-year-old black-and-white photographs and transform them into large-scale, vividly realistic images. Attendees will gain insights into the processes behind this remarkable restoration in his exhibition 'Colors of Tbilisi'.
Nika’s fellow artist and collaborator Mika Tbileli will provide an overview of Tbilisi’s architectural landscape, sharing details of the city’s iconic buildings and the many layers of history woven into its streets.
This event promises to bring together art, technology, and architecture, illustrating how tradition and innovation intersect in a culturally rich and diverse city.
The talk will be held in the Bowie Vernon Room (K262) on the 2nd floor of the Knafel Building, followed by a reception at the Fisher Family Commons on the ground floor.
‘Colors of Tbilisi’ is on view from November 25, 2024, until June 17, 2025. The exhibition is presented as part of the Georgia Nation Harmony Initiative, under the framework of the project “Rooted in Culture,” curated by Ketevan Paitchadze.
Sponsorship
The exhibition is co-sponsored by: Georgia Nation Harmony Foundation, Art Line Gallery, Art Cross Foundation, Shumi Winery, Chateau Mere, Wines of Georgia, Borjomi, and Four'O'Four.
The Program on Georgian Studies is an activity of the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University and is made possible by a sponsored research award from the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.
Accessibility
The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 617-495-4037 or daviscenter@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance if possible. Please note that the Davis Center will make every effort to secure services but that services are subject to availability.
