Niko Pirosmani

Sep 17, 2023–Jan 28, 2024

Niko Pirosmani (1862–1918) is a legendary, mythical figure. The Georgian artist is one of modern art’s enigmatic loners. Like Vincent van Gogh, Henri Rousseau and Marc Chagall, he succeeded in painting pictures revered by both ordinary people and avant-garde artists. With great sensitivity, the self-taught painter transformed the everyday into the exceptional. The people and animals he depicted with profound dignity often look out at the viewer in a manner both insistent and detached. Bathed in harmonious stillness, they are endowed with a fascinating presence. Using vibrant colours on a black background, Pirosmani painted iconic images of glowing intensity. Featuring around 50 major paintings, this is the most comprehensive international exhibition of Pirosmani’s work to date.

Organised by the Fondation Beyeler and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark, in cooperation with the Georgian National Museum and the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth of Georgia, with friendly support of the Infinitart Foundation. Curated by Daniel Baumann with contributions by Georgian artists Thea Djordjadze and Andro Wekua.

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Takes on Pirosmani

Our audio guide "Takes on Pirosmani" looks at Niko Pirosmani’s works from a number of different viewpoints. A conservator, the curator, a poet, an art collector, and a child share their impressions of selected paintings. Our audio guides are available in the Art Shop in German, English, or French. Alternatively, you can access our audio guides using your own smartphone. This option is free of charge for visitors up to age 25.