Georgian artist Niko Pirosmani (1862–1918) is a legend: (for now) unknown to many, he is almost fanatically revered by others. As the exhibition will show, Pirosmani was an outstanding exponent of early modern art. To a rare extent, already in his lifetime Pirosmani’s art spoke to all, from people on the street and in taverns to avant-garde artists and writers. With just a few brushstrokes, he transformed the quotidian into the exceptional, creating icons of glowing intensity. His art bridged worlds, it celebrated a feeling of belonging and dedication. With around fifty rarely seen masterpieces from the holdings of the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi, the exhibition provides an introduction to Pirosmani’s artistic world.

The exhibition is organised jointly by the Fondation Beyeler (Riehen / Basel) and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Humlebæk) and realised in cooperation with the Georgian National Museum and the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth of Georgia, generously supported by the Infinitart Foundation.