We recently connected with Nika Koplatadze and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nika, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Creating is incredibly important to me; it fuels my energy and inspires me daily. Art isn’t just a passion—it’s a fundamental part of who I am.

But the creative journey comes with its challenges. Life is full of obstacles and moments of doubt that shape our character. During art school, I worked as a waiter and a carpenter to support myself, facing the internal struggle of questioning my path. We all experience times when we wonder if we truly love what we’re doing.

In the end, those doubts fade, and clarity emerges. You have to be bold and pursue your ultimate goals and visions. Seeing the best version of yourself and going for it—that’s when the magic happens.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I spend a lot of time in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Mexico City, two cities that profoundly influence my artistic practice. In these dynamic environments, I focus on painting, sculpture, and artist books. I explore the deep mysteries of the universe and their intricate connections to our daily lives. I am interested in the cosmic and the mundane, where the vastness of the universe meets the intimacy of human experience.

Currently, I have the honor of representing the Republic of Georgia at the 60th Venice Biennale, a significant milestone in my career. I have had exhibitions in Mexico, Georgia, and Germany among others .

At present, I’m in the vibrant culture of Mexico City, a place that continually feeds my creativity. The city’s rich history, art scene, and diverse communities offer endless inspiration as I prepare for my upcoming exhibitions.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the process itself—the act of bringing my own images into the world. When I create, I feel almost godlike, and when I haven’t painted for a while, my hands crave the process. I find great joy in discovering materials like pigments, earth, wood, and even elements that feel as distant as planets, all of which I incorporate into my work. When I encounter these materials, it often feels like they are finding me rather than the other way around.

My studio is filled with found objects and materials, a lot of them I am not using maybe but having them makes me feel anticipation of a day when I can make something. This process is playful and brings me immense happiness. I often go to mountain rivers in Georgia, to find the roots of dead trees. When I was in Tulum, I went into the jungle every day to collect tree branches and organic objects from the sea. The artist books I created for the Venice Biennale are filled with materials from all around the world, each piece containing the memory of the places they are from.

Have you ever had to pivot?

One pivotal moment in my journey came when I was selected to represent the Republic of Georgia at the 2024 Venice Biennale. This opportunity was a significant shift in my career, marking a moment when my work was recognized on an international stage.

The challenge was immense. I had to navigate the pressures of creating on a scale and platform I hadn’t experienced before and with extreme time constraints. Balancing the need to stay true to my artistic vision with the demands of representing my country was no small feat. It required me to rethink my approach, to pivot from working in the familiar confines of my studio to engaging with a global audience.

The overall experience was surreal, I lived in Venice for a month to have enough time to install the exhibition and for the openings and all the receptions. I wanted to make sure I had enough time to visit the pavilions and meet other artists and art curators. I also needed several days at the end to just process everything that was happening prior in this magical city of Venice.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nika.koplatadze/

Image Credits

all my images