Goddess of the Sun
Project name: 9 Stories from Georgian Mythology (Created on the SharedStory Platform)
In Georgian folklore, the number nine isn’t just a digit—it carries a deep, mystical weight. It stands for wholeness, the closing of one chapter, and the exact moment a new one begins. If you look at oldest Georgian stories, nine is woven into everything:
- The 9 Mountains – The ultimate test of endurance and the obstacles we have to overcome.
- The 9 Springs – A symbol of cleansing, fresh starts, and spiritual healing.
- The 9 Brothers – The deepest bond of loyalty, family, and standing together.
- The 9-Eyed Sun – The all-seeing, warm center of the ancient universe.(The exact concept of a "Nine-Eyed Sun" (ცხრათვალა მზე - Tskhratvala Mze) is beautifully unique to Georgian folklore. You won't find a literal sun with nine eyes acting as a central deity in other major world mythologies)
Building on this sacred tradition, this exhibition brings together nine contemporary artists. Each one uses their own visual style to breathe fresh life into the gods, titans, and spirits of Georgian mythology, creating a bridge between ancient memory and modern eyes.
This is the first time a group exhibition has attempted to capture the entire, sprawling universe of Georgia's mythos. Together, these nine different artistic voices form a perfect circle—a complete cycle where the echoes of the past meet the heartbeat of today.
Inquire to purchase the artwork: mail@sharedstory.blog Sharedstory
Barbale is the solar goddess of pre-Christian Georgian mythology. Because the sun is grammatically and mythologically feminine in Georgian tradition, Barbale embodies warmth, life-giving light, physical healing. As a solar deity, she represents life-giving energy that wakes the earth after winter. She was often symbolized by round objects, bright yellow flowers, and circular breads resembling the sun disc. With the Christianization of Georgia, the pagan deity Barbale was fused with the Christian martyr Saint Barbare (celebrated on December 17).
Artist: Tina Tskhadadze
A Story Still Being Written
To truly understand Tina Tskhadadze’s work, you have to stand in front of it—not as an observer standing outside a museum case, but as someone stepping into a story that is actively unfolding. She has become one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Georgian art precisely because her process feels like a personal homecoming, a shared voyage through memory and time. Looking at her pieces feels like sitting down with someone who remembers a dream you both shared long ago. It’s an invitation to pause, look inward, and remember that innovation doesn't mean leaving our story behind; it means having the courage to write the next chapter.
