I am really powerless to describe something or to say how it happened. I do not remember how it happened; I don’t know. It just happened….

— Vakho Bugadze

Vakho Bugadze graduated from the Department of Sculpture at the Tbilisi State Academy. In the early stages of his career, he actively worked with stone and participated in various symposiums, while also engaging in painting. Over time, his focus gradually shifted towards painting, drawing, and collage work.

He often experiments with his process, painting on unconventional materials such as old curtains, pillowcases, tablecloths and mattresses. He often sews together parts of these fabrics or canvases, making them an integral part of his work. When he began painting in Georgia, access to a variety of canvases and materials was limited, so he and other artists had to use whatever they could find. This inventive approach has stayed with Vakho throughout his career.

I find and use materials that aren't traditionally meant for painting, so you have to see how they come to life during the process.

— Vakho Bugadze

‘His work revolves around social themes prevalent in Georgia and is distinguished by a unique artistic vision. The defining characteristic of Bugadze’s work is his ability to convey totally contradictory events: destructive energy and almost brutal power combined with very sophisticated sensitivity. This contrast forms the key power of his artistic works, where figurative imagery often strives towards abstraction.‘

— Khatuna Khabuliani

Vakho Bugadze’s work sometimes uncovers historical facts, but it mainly focuses on personal stories drawn from significant moments in his life—whether from childhood or other periods linked to his friends and family. These memories and relationships, rich with emotional resonance, serve as the inspiration for his series. On the other hand, the artist sometimes seeks to strip away any specific meaning or information from his paintings, challenging the notion that art should convey a message. In these instances, the work may intentionally remain empty of clear content, leaving viewers with nothing but the essence of the form itself.

There are many layers to a painting; it can be completely stripped of these layers, leaving no trace that it represents someone or something, and ultimately nothing at all.

— Vakho Bugadze

‘It is difficult to define Bugadze’s artistic style, as it presents a specific blend of abstract and figurative art, leaving viewers with a feeling of being on the border of something profound. His work almost always demonstrates a balanced manifestation of expression. Bugadze often focuses on the plastic details of human and animal bodies, making the exploration of the nature of the body a constant interest.’

— Khatuna Khabuliani

It doesn't matter that your art remains, I don't think it matters. What's important is when you do something and how important it is to you personally, not whether it's important to the environment or to anyone else. When it matters to you and you are passionate about what you do, then everything works. You have to do what you do and love, that’s the whole context, no one knows how long it will last. Perhaps I should say something better, but I can't say more.

— Vakho Bugadze

There are many good artists in this country. Perhaps the good ones are those who reveal something within you that you cannot see or feel yourself. I think this is the most important thing.

— Vakho Bugadze