Marvee Javakhishvili
On a recent trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, I visited Fotografia, an independent photo gallery in the heart of the city. Upon arrival I was greeted by Marvee Javakhishvili, a 22-year old curator who was more than happy to show me around. After spending 20 minutes or so in her company, I knew she would make a perfect addition to our on-going series, Them Future Frames.
What struck me most about Javakhishvili was the passion in her voice. Whenever I asked about local photographers or exhibitions she’s worked on, she would respond with such enthusiasm that it was impossible not to take interest in her response.
Curators often see differently than photographers, they have to be more analytical and make choices not just from the creative heart, but also from the logical mind. I think it’s important to gain more insight into that perspective, especially from young people who will go on to be the bedrock of our photographic community.
In the digital world, I was also curious to know how someone at the start of her career felt about the present and future of photography consumption. Javakhishvili very kindly took the time to answer more of my questions…
Editor’s Note: Them Future Frames is about giving a platform to young photographers and curators between the ages of 18-22, encouraging them to speak about their work and to share what they hope to achieve in the industry.
“Curating is really about being a bridge between the artist and the viewer…”
Marvee Javakhishvili
Them Frames: Hey Marvee! What inspired you to get into photography curation? What do you enjoy most about it?
Marvee Javakhishvili: I’ve loved art galleries since childhood and always wanted to work in one. Combined with my background in art history and experience as a visual artist, this naturally led me to curating.
What I enjoy most is the creative side: coming up with exhibition ideas, shaping the display, and guiding the overall vision. I also really value the connections I make with different photographers, and the privilege of getting such a close glimpse into their artistic worlds.
Photo by David Grigoryan
Them Frames: How does it feel when you see people enjoying an exhibition you’ve worked on putting together?
Marvee Javakhishvili: I feel proud, of course, but it’s a different kind of pride than with my own artworks. It’s more about being glad that I played a part in helping people connect with someone else’s work.
Curating is really about being a bridge between the artist and the viewer. My ideas for the exhibition and the way I arrange the space are there to help the audience appreciate and understand the work while highlighting the artist’s intentions.
Fotografia Gallery
Them Frames: A curator is essentially a story teller – what type of messages do you like to convey through the medium of photography?
Marvee Javakhishvili: I am drawn to sincere work and narratives that are deeply personal and grounded in lived experience. I aim to create exhibitions that are thoughtfully composed, emotionally resonant, and encourage reflection and connection.
A great example of the messages I want to convey is Eyewitness, a group exhibition which featured images from protests in Georgia. With this show, I wanted to focus on how artists are often the first to stand up for peace and justice. I also sought to emphasize the importance of authentic photography amid disinformation and press oppression.
Fotografia Gallery
Them Frames: As a young curator, what challenges do you face and how do you work through them?
Marvee Javakhishvili: The main challenge for me comes from balancing curating with my other creative pursuits. Unlike more experienced curators who have focused solely on this path and have a very defined approach, I tend to work more fluidly and intuitively. I have to experiment, explore, and trust my instincts. I am in a constant process of learning.
Fotografia Gallery
Them Frames: How would you like to see photography evolve in the next decade and what role would you like to play in helping to shape it?
Marvee Javakhishvili: To speak of Georgia specifically, it has an amazing photography scene, and I hope to see photographers continue to develop their practice with access to funding, exhibitions, workshops, and other resources.
I hope their work gains the recognition and spotlight it deserves. As a curator, I see my role as helping to shape this evolution by creating spaces where these diverse voices and perspectives can enter into dialogue.
Them Frames: As a younger person, I’m curious how you feel about the role of AI, NFTs and the general digital landscape in photography?
Marvee Javakhishvili : Well, I have always been a traditional art lover. I see the digital landscape as a tool rather than a replacement for real-world experience. AI can be useful for editing or experimenting, but fully AI-generated images, to me, take away the essence and meaning of photography.
NFTs offer new ways for photographers to share their work and gain visibility, yet digital platforms can’t replace the experience of encountering a real photograph, especially in an exhibition.
Fotografia Gallery
Them Frames: Who are some photographers you have enjoyed curating, and which photographers are on your bucket list?
Marvee Javakhishvili: I’ve been fortunate to work with many talented photographers, including Dato Koridze, Elene Glonti, and David Grigoryan. There are still many photographers I hope to collaborate with. I’m currently working with Francesco Patriarca, and I’m very much looking forward to the results.
Them Frames: Finally, please finish this sentence. I need photography in my life because…
Marvee Javakhishvili: it transforms the ephemeral into something tangible and lasting.
You can follow Marvee Javakhishvili via her Instagram. For more details on Fotografia Gallery check out their Instagram.
More reading: Them Future Frames: Eva Kassekert
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