July 21, 2008
Lela Rekhviashvili, Georgia Today

Prominent Georgian artist Mamuka Mikeladze finished painting the western entrance wall of the Kashueti Church of St George in Tbilisi several days ago.

The fresco features vivid colors and realistic scenes depicting the interesting history of the church.

Mamuka Mikeladze began working on the wall almost three months ago; he wishes to thank art expert Nana Burchuladze and young student Koka Beridze for their help. The painting was commissioned by the Patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church and was financed by Bank Republic. Lasha Papashvili, the Chief Executive of Bank Republic, delivered the funds personally.

Now it is completed, church-goers can enjoy the many inspiring and intricate scenes at the church, such as the Holy Ghost entering the bodies of the twelve disciples in the cupola of the church. On the right hand side of the wall, there is an interpretation of the legend of David Garejeli, a unique painting, the first of its kind in Georgia. There is a large fresco of the Holy Mother St Mary watching over the worshippers.

The awe-inspiring scenes are so moving because of the artist’s long experience and expert skill. Mamuka Mikeladze was born in Tbilisi in 1959. He says he does not even remember when he started drawing and painting; he has just always done so. His life has been indivisible from art from the start, and now this great artist is proficient and gifted in his craft.

Mikeladze began studying art academically at J. Nikoladze Art School and later joined the Department for Painting and Wall-Painting Restoration at the Tbilisi Academy of Arts. After he got married, he worked restoring ancient Georgian frescoes all over the country from 1977 until 1983. It was in 1995 that he began painting his own frescoes and has completed such wall-paintings in ten new churches in Georgia.