Artist Spotlight is a recurring editorial series featuring distinguished and upcoming artists, showcasing and spotlighting their achievments and their art.
In an era where specialization is often emphasized, Gela Dumbadze stands out as a polymath, seamlessly merging diverse disciplines into a harmonious life’s work. His expansive journey through art, diplomacy, and literature makes him an iconic figure not only in the Georgian cultural landscape but also on the global stage.
Dumbadze’s artistic prowess cannot be summarized in a single genre or style. His artistry represents an amalgamation of influences and periods, all while maintaining a distinct, original voice. With a virtuosic use of expressive mediums, his work reflects an unparalleled depth that brings a unique touch to every canvas. His art is reminiscent of the Naïve artists of the 19th and 20th centuries yet evolves to incorporate elements of abstract expressionism and surrealism.
Describing Dumbadze’s art as “over the top simple beauty” might seem contradictory, but it encapsulates the unique combination of complexity and straightforwardness that characterizes his work. This duality has been displayed in solo exhibitions like “Kyiv, Mystical Windows,” “Acrylic Diary,” and “In Search of Lost Time,” revealing an artist perpetually in dialogue with both his medium and his message.
Gela Dumbadze’s diplomatic acumen is as impressive as his artistic talent, serving in pivotal roles that have fortified Georgia’s international relationships since 1998 and earning him the esteemed rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. Building upon his diplomatic credentials, Dumbadze was appointed as the State Minister for Diaspora Issues of Georgia from 2014 to 2016. During this tenure, he took a leading role in negotiations that resulted in the successful return of the Leuville estate to Georgia, adding yet another feather in his cap of diplomatic achievements. From June 15, 2017, to 2021, he served as the Ambassador of Georgia to Ukraine. This diplomatic finesse is complemented by a literary voice that has penned novels like “The Yellow Trolleybus” and “I-Runner,” winning him several accolades in literature. Beyond his intellectual and artistic pursuits, Dumbadze is also the President of the Georgian Fudokan Karate Federation, holding a black belt with the 3rd Honorable Dan, showcasing his versatile interests. Whether negotiating international treaties or illustrating the human condition through his art and literature, Dumbadze stands as an invaluable asset to both Georgia’s cultural and diplomatic sectors—a man whose varied talents mark him as a true Renaissance figure.
