Dimitri Hahutashvili (b. 1957), who also works under the name Dmitry Akhvlediani, is one of the most important and recognized contemporary artists from the nation of Georgia. He graduated from the Tbilisi Academy of Fine Arts in 1982, an institution that has fostered Georgia's unique artistic identity. Hahutashvili has developed a singular and instantly recognizable style, distinguished by his use of tempera on canvas. This technique, which he applies in thin, transparent layers, gives his work the matte texture and monumental feeling of an ancient fresco.
Hahutashvili’s art is deeply symbolic and philosophical, often drawing upon biblical narratives and allegorical themes of journeys, destiny, and the human condition. His work is characterized by simplified, elegant forms and a sophisticated, restrained color palette. He reduces his subjects—be it a figure, a boat, or an animal—to their essential archetypal forms, creating a universal visual language that is both ancient and modern. The untitled work from the Lazare Gallery collection is a characteristic example of this approach, inviting quiet contemplation from the viewer through its minimalist composition and rich, fresco-like surface.
His unique vision has brought him significant international acclaim. Hahutashvili has participated in numerous exhibitions in Russia, Italy, Germany, and the United States, and his works are held in important private collections worldwide. For the collector, acquiring a painting by Hahutashvili is to own a profound and meditative work by a leading master of contemporary Georgian art. His paintings bridge the gap between ancient icon-painting traditions and a deeply personal modern sensibility, making them both timeless and exceptionally relevant.
