Visiting local artist studios has always been a great past time of mine, but I find gallery-hoping pretentious and boring. I became aware of Mishiko Makharadze’s art because a number of my friends have his art work hanging on their walls. His art is sexual, pushes boundaries, and is very symbolic.

Misha is very painterly but methodical. He has been painting since he was three years old and was born into an artist family. His studio is in the home his father built. His paintings reflect his culture and culture influences his paintings. Anything from Georgian carpets and myth to Venetian dreamscapes are his muses. Its emotive and crosses the line, it can make you uncomfortable. This is why I sought him out.

Instead of buying garbage souvenirs, buy local art. And if you can’t buy it, appreciate it. Mr. Makhardze is not only a painter, he is a costume designer who has worked with such celebrated institutions as the Bolshoi Ballet. Seeking him out was very rewarding for me and he has since become a friend.