Under Russian rule from the early 19th century until the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, Georgia enjoyed a brief period as an independent, democratic republic from 1918 to 1921. During this time, the Georgian city of Tiflis (renamed Tbilisi in 1936) was a convening point for artists and writers from a wide range of backgrounds, nationalities, ethnicities, and artistic tendencies. Art and literary cafes flourished, providing supportive environments for avant-garde poetry recitations, lectures, performances, and exhibitions.

This exhibition offers an introduction to the distinctive styles and movements that developed in Tiflis during this period and their manifestations in print, revealing a history of modernist art beyond Western Europe. Featured publications show references to Cubism, Futurism, Expressionism, Constructivism, and Dada, fused with elements of regional culture, folklore, and medieval art.

The objects on display will be available for consultation in our Reading Room by appointment at the conclusion of the exhibition. For information about using the library and current library hours, please visit here.

The works on view are recent gifts and promised gifts to Watson Library from the extraordinary collection of David Orentreich.