Meet Teona Yamanidze | artist, curator, researcher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Teona Yamanidze and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teona, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Starting my PhD at Melbourne University and being away from family and stepping into an environment with a very different culture and mindset was a challenge. As a Georgian artist and researcher, adjusting to these differences wasn’t easy. But, in hindsight, I realize that it’s exactly these kinds of challenges that push me to grow and evolve. I believe that artistic practice thrives when it’s exposed to change and new perspectives, and this experience has been essential in shaping my work and my journey.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of my hybrid identity, shaped by both the rich traditions of Georgian culture and the influence of Western education. Navigating these two worlds has been a defining force in my life and work, and it is something I hold close to my heart. As an artist from Georgia, a country often misunderstood and misrepresented, I feel deeply connected to the challenge of being seen not through the lens of oversimplification, but in all the complexity and richness of my heritage.
Often, artists from Georgia and other former Soviet republics are mistakenly placed within the broader category of “Russian culture,” a label that erases the distinctiveness of our cultures and their contributions to the arts. This kind of misidentification diminishes the diversity and innovation that has emerged from these regions, failing to recognize the true scope of artistic expression that exists there.
My journey has not been easy. Being a Georgian artist in a Western context has required me to constantly balance and negotiate the intersection of these two worlds. But this very duality – this merging of Eastern and Western influences – has shaped me both personally and artistically. My Georgian roots are inseparable from my work. They are the foundation from which I explore complex themes of political power, cultural identity, and exile.
Art, for me, is a tool for dialogue – a means of bridging gaps between cultures, languages, and histories. It allows me to examine how identity is formed, both in the home and in exile, and to question the role art plays in challenging or reinforcing these power dynamics.
What excites me most about my work is its ability to speak across boundaries, to reflect the nuances of my own experience and to offer new perspectives on the world. As I continue to grow and evolve, I hope my art becomes a platform not only for exploring my personal identity but also for shedding light on the broader cultural conversations that are often overlooked or misunderstood.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Melbourne, we’d start our mornings with a slow walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, then pick a quiet spot for a picnic. After that, we’d head to Fitzroy, grab lunch, and explore the little galleries along its vibrant streets. We’d spend one day by the water at St. Kilda Beach, catching the sunset and maybe grabbing a drink at a cozy spot along the pier. Another day, I’d take them to the Dandenong Ranges, where we’d hike the trails, escape the CBD, and enjoy breathtaking views. It’s a little bit of everything here: nature, art, food, and a true taste of the incredible city of Melbourne.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
In this moment of reflection, I would like to dedicate my journey – my progress in both my career and my life – to the support of my family. There is something truly priceless about having those in your corner who, while they may not fully grasp the path you tread, still stand beside you with open hearts and steady encouragement. I am fortunate to have parents who, despite not being immersed in my world, believe in me unconditionally. And then there’s my brother – one of the most influential people in my story. Though he is far removed from the art world, his presence has been a constant anchor. As twins, we share a bond that goes beyond words, a silent understanding and respect that has only deepened over time. His unwavering faith in me has been integral to every step I’ve taken. This connection – so uniquely ours – has shaped my pursuits in ways words can barely capture. We’ve always had each other’s backs, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Website: https://www.teonayamanidze.com

Instagram: @teoyamanidze

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teona-yamanidze-b1906450/

Image Credits
The studio images credit to Mindy Kim