An Exercise in Observation – Genius Loci Tbilisi

State Silk Museum, 29 September, 19:00

An Exercise in Observation – Genius Loci Tbilisi extends the research approach developed through the temporary exhibition Museum and the River, currently on view at the State Silk Museum. Based on the concept of Genius Loci, or the spirit of place, the programme brings together psychogeography, spatial observation, and individual creative exploration, connecting these experiences to the main theme of the Tbilisi Architecture Biennial, Geography of Emptiness.

The programme centred on one main question: What happens when a space seems to offer us nothing, and is it possible to discover the spirit of a place within emptiness? Here, emptiness is approached as an in-between condition - a space still undergoing formation and transformation, where new meanings can emerge.

Throughout the summer, participants explored different sites across Tbilisi through methods of creative observation: Tbilisi Wool Worsted Factory, the Hippodrome, Temka district and the horizon of the Tbilisi Sea. Observation, listening, movement, note-taking, and visual documentation gradually developed into individual works.

The public presentation brings together video, photography, audio, and graphic materials reflecting the process from spatial observation to creative interpretation.

Programme Mentors: Nata Nebieridze and Masha Chighvinadze, architects and authors of the research project and exhibition; Mariam Shergelashvili, Exhibition Curator at the State Silk Museum.

Participating Authors: Lizi Dvali, Teona Kakhidze, Giorgi Kiknadze, Nika Tephnadze, Archil Tsereteli.