SACRIFICE - THE STATIC DRAMA
2011

The multimedia installation

Gio Janiashvili - the author of the concept, visual design, sound installation.
David Janiashvili - visual design, technical construction.

Mannequin, wool, wooden and metal construction, tank, hose, glycerine, natural paint, engine, vine switch, reservoir, incense, lighting, quadraphonic sound installation. Duration: Indefinite

Exhibition:

Georgian National Exhibition at the 12th Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space, Nostitz Palace - Ministry of Culture Czech Republic. Prague, 2011.

Photo:

The concept of the Static Drama as conceived by Gio Janiashvili is intended to involve the spectator into the process of thinking about the suggested theme and to immerse him/her in a participatory event within the created space. The space is designed in such a way that almost all the senses – vision, hearing, smell, touch – contribute to the perception. A visual symbolic world as well as the sound installation are purposely created and reflect the dramatic concept behind the installation. The fragrance (the smell of incense is one element that signals the theme of Sacrifice) and the physical contact with organic materials (viewers are requested to leave their shoes outside the installation space and walk on the wool that covers the floor) create additional meaning, as well as the ‘blood’ that falls in drops from the head of the main figure. These elements create a performance space where the artists’ concepts pass through the viewers’ thinking process, permitting a wide range of interpretations. Upon entering the space the viewers involuntarily become participants in the installation as they are plunged into the ambience of musical and visual symbols that demonstrate violence through poetic form.

The installation design is flexible, to allow for transformation and adjustment to new venues. Yet the space must always be secluded, so that the visitors (alone or with companions) experience certain isolation within the offered environment, in which every detail is made to speak about the proposed theme.

Dr. Ketevan Kintsurashvili, the National Curator:

"Scenography is a catalyst for the transformation of space, to endow materiality with a magical and surreal presence, immersing the viewer (audience) into a more corporeal and intuitive understanding of the concept(s) at hand."

Daniela Pařízková, the Executive Director of the Prague Quadrennial:

"I would like to emphasize that Mr. Giorgi Janiashvili's and Mr. David Janiashvili's participation in the Prague Quadrennial was crucial for our event and the creation of a full picture about contemporary scenography, it's features, goals and role in contemporary performative cultures; presenting the most challenging and groundbreaking of their country."

Online Catalogue: PQ 2011

Videos:

Photos:

The letter from Daniela Pařízková, the Executive Director of the Prague Quadrennial:

Maquet:

Poster:

Flyer:

Award:

Vivian Prindle Outreach Prize (The best project of the year), Trinity Laban. London, UK, 2012.

Further reading:

L'Harmattan: ETUDES THÉÂTRALES - Ancrage historique et esthétique - Territoires des arts
Text: Luc Boucris, Marcel Freydefont, Raymond Sarti | Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, 2012.