In the world of art, a trip can sometimes lead to a change. Our time as volunteers in Madeira through the European Solidarity Corps program made a big difference in the life of Ani Abuashvili, a young architecture student from Georgia. "Avelum," the name of this exhibition, shows not only the beautiful scenery of Madeira, but also how a photographer found her true calling as an artist.
Hi, I'm Ani Abuashvili. I'm from Georgia and currently studying Architecture at the Tbilisi State Academy of Art.
I've just finished my second year there. While architecture is my primary field of study, photography has always been one of my biggest hobbies.
Being in Madeira as an Erasmus volunteer has made me realize that photography could actually become my second profession.
Back in school, I had the opportunity to participate in two exhibitions where I was also one of the curators. These exhibitions included photography and a few paintings. A couple of years ago, I started learning Adobe programs and experimented with designing posters. I'm always trying out different styles to explore art and find my own path.
My photography is mostly inspired by people, but Madeira has given me the chance to capture the beauty of nature—mountains, the ocean, sunrises.
This island has truly inspired me. The waves of the ocean, the mountain breeze, and the sunrise beams have all played a part in shaping my work for this exhibition.
And, of course, the people I've met here have turned my volunteering project into an adventure, motivating me to improve my photography skills.
When I first arrived in Madeira, my mentor Svetlana told me that this project could change my life. I didn't believe it at first, but now I see she was right. She really motivated me to put this exhibition together, explore Madeira, and grow as a photographer.
Avelum - The Essence of Madeira Through Georgian Eyes
The title of my exhibition is "Avelum," a word created by the Georgian writer Otar Chiladze, which means a free, full-fledged citizen.
This word is very important to me because it represents freedom, something I'm always seeking in my work. Whether it's in people, nature, places, or buildings, I'm constantly looking for that sense of freedom.
In this exhibition, you'll see mostly landscape photography, with some portraits and a few abstract pieces. The landscapes capture the stunning beauty of Madeira—its waves, mountains, and sunrises. The portraits highlight the wonderful people I've met here. The abstract works are new for me, inspired by the movement of waves and using motion blur techniques.
One series, "Imaginary House," is inspired by my background in architecture. Every time I saw a breathtaking view in Madeira, I imagined it as the view from my window. This series reflects that idea, blending my love for architecture and photography.
Through my work, I want to convey the freedom embodied in "Avelum" and encourage you to embrace this concept in your own life.
This Erasmus project has been a huge step in my career. It's been more than I expected because I feel like I've found myself in photography. This is just the beginning of something big for me.
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