Georgian Artist Otar Chkhartishvili died

Otari

My friend and a good georgian artist Otar Chkhartishvili, born 5th of July 1938 in Kobuleti, Georgia died today. Known formerly as a master of "Anti-Soviet Pop Art" he painted in the last 3 or 4 years almost exclusivly still-lifes of pomegranates and landscapes of the surrounding hills of his home town Rustavi. He was a power of influence both to artists in Rustavi and Tbilisi and with his clear mind a strong judge of any work of art. Otari was a honest man with a strong backbone, withstanding any ancounters by KGB in the 70s and 80s. Over a couple of years he was prohibited of any public show and saved himself and his family by making illustrations for children books. We are very sad to hear that Otari is gone much to early to another world. The funeral will be held at Saturday 25th of March in Rustavi.


Last supper


Don't be afraid, say the truth


No titel


No titel


Port


Head


Head



See some more of Otari Chkhartishvilis works here:
http://www.kaukasus-kaleidoscope.com/otari/opage_01.htm

In 1998 we sometimes went together outside of Rustavi to paint landscapes in open air. Otari in front.


Here is a portrait I made of Otari also in 1998