76 Stunning Street Art in Tbilisi with a Map for 2025

Street art in Tbilisi has come a long way in recent years. For decades, the city’s walls were mostly covered in scribbles and simple tags—nothing that truly reflected the social or cultural pulse of the city.

But that’s changed. In the past few years, a new wave of Georgian street artists has emerged, transforming the gray facades of residential buildings, abandoned structures, and underground walkways into powerful visual stories.

These works don’t just add color—they speak. From political commentary to cultural identity, they reflect what’s happening in Georgia and beyond.

Today, Tbilisi hosts annual street art festivals that unite local talent and international artists to collaborate across neighborhoods. The result brings dozens of striking murals and pieces that have become part of the city’s evolving character and creative expression.

But before I tell you the stories and inspirations behind these works, I need to explain and clarify something – even though I use ‘street art’ in the title and throughout the post, it is not correct to call these massive paintings on the wall ‘street art.’ They are murals.

However, the most common, and maybe wrongfully, name for such big paintings that have been widespread everywhere is the term ‘street art.’

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The difference between street art and mural

A mural is a form of artistic expression that involves painting or creating artwork directly on a wall or surface, typically in a public space.

Murals often convey a specific message, tell a story, or represent a particular theme, and they are usually created with the consent and support of the community or property owner. 

On the other hand, street art is a broader term that encompasses various forms of artistic expression found in public spaces, including but not limited to murals. Street art can include graffiti, stencils, installations, sculptures, and other creative interventions. 

Street art is often unauthorized and can be seen as a form of artistic activism or cultural commentary, challenging societal norms and engaging with the urban environment in unconventional ways. 

While murals are typically commissioned and have a more structured purpose, street art is often spontaneous, provocative, and reflects the individual artist’s style and vision.

Street art festivals in Tbilisi

Georgia Mural Fest aims to turn the buildings of Tbilisi into art projects with the help of prominent artists from Georgia and Europe. Apart from creating art, the festival organizes public events, discussions, and workshops for those interested in street art. 

Niko Movement, named after famous Georgian painter Niko Pirosmani, revitalizes the streets of Tbilisi and other cities of Georgia with the help of young professional artists from Georgia and other countries.

As social conditions influenced Pirosmani’s works, where he mostly portrayed rural life, Niko Street Art tries to incorporate the same message through the actions of the artists the movement brings.

Even the movement’s logo of the dog is taken from Pirosmani’s famous painting, “The Feast in a Grape Gazebo.” 

Fabirkafitii is an initiative of Fabrika Tbilisi Hotel and a multifunctional space providing its facade as a canvas for artists.

Each year in fall, mainly in October, the organizers bring local and international artists to work on various parts of Fabrika’s facade and its main wall right at the courtyard entrance. Therefore, something new is added to its walls each year.

Most Beautiful street art in Tbilisi

Tbilisi street art varies by form, size, and theme. There are many more murals in Tbilisi than listed in this post. However, this is a curated list of my favorite Tbilisi murals that are beautiful, meaningful, convey a message, or have a specific theme. 

Wandering through the Tbilisi Old Town, you’ll notice electricity boxes adorned with various themes of black cats, for instance, which are not included in this post. 

As mentioned above, these murals are scattered across the city, with only a few places and neighborhoods having a considerable amount to see at once.

The best neighborhoods for these massive murals have become Saburtalo and Varketili, 20-30 minutes drive from the center. You can easily access the area by public transport, metro and buses.

Tbilisi State University branch, known as Maglivi, is another place where you can see several murals in one spot. However, the artwork changes yearly since the Niko Movement uses the area as a “practice” ground for newcomer muralists.

Please refer to the Google Maps list above or browse this post divided by neighborhoods for easy navigation.

Tbilisi street art in the city center and Old Town

This section pinpoints some gorgeous and interesting murals in Tbilisi, from Metekhi Church to the Freedom Square areas.

Hotel Check Point

This hotel in the old town is famous for its Frida Kahlo mural, which has gone viral on social channels as one of the Instagrammable spots, making it one of the most famous street art in Tbilisi. And if you decide to stay in this typical Tbilisi house, you can book a room here.

2 Metekhi Rise (near Metekhi Church)

This caricature mural featuring Putin and Trump playing chess while sipping wine with a label of Georgia’s map is fantastic with its meaning and creativity.

Baratashvili Bridge underground passage

The massive Baratashvili Bridge underground passage underwent a major repainting in 2022 to showcase scenes from a medieval Georgian poem, The Knight in the Panther’s Skin.

The paintings on the walls are replicas of David Machavariani’s graphic illustration version of the same book published by Sulakauri Publishing House.

Two Georgian street artists worked on putting David’s illustrations onto the walls. Unfortunately, I have a hard time finding the names of these artists. 

When you walk through the passage, besides marvelous scenes, a few important dates from Georgian history are also written both in Georgian and English for you to learn more and understand our turbulent history.

Solar Logos by Faith47 at 4 Atoneli. str

Faith47, a South African artist, created this mural around the idea of Solar Logos.

“Sun-worship has been with us since pagan antiquity, among the Persians, Indians, Greeks, Mayans, and other ancient cultures,” she explains on her website.

She also notes that “our central, inner spiritual Sun, is mirrored by our grand celestial Star, the Sun. This “mirror of fire,” is our source of existence, light and life.”

Davit Aghmashenebeli Mural at 10 R. Tabukashvili Str.

Commissioned by the Georgian Street Art Federation and painted by Peter Skensved and four local artists, this massive mural is a tribute to the most outstanding leader of Georgia – King David Aghmashenebeli, also known as David the Builder.

Besides his impressive portrait, the mural also depicts one of the most critical battles in Georgian history, which he led and won – The battle of Didgori in 1121 against the Seljuk Turks.

As a side note, there’s an outstanding Didgori Monument very close to Tbilisi that you can visit as a day trip.

Last Bell by Sasha Korban at 36 L. Asatiani Str.

The Last Bell mural is dedicated to the ‘last bell of the school’ custom we have in Georgia when you finish it and become a student.

A few days before, we take white shirts or T-shirts and place a writing or some art (character, doodle, painting) in the center of the backside. On the day of the Last Bell, we wear it, and everyone, including classmates, friends, and teachers, writes something in the empty spaces. This could be wishes, memories, names, etc.

When Sasha Korban heard about this custom, he was so fascinated that he decided to devote a mural to it within the Tbilisi Mural Fest in 2023. The girl wearing a white shirt has a ‘Freedom’ written in the center in Georgian, while other texts surround it.

Hanging Laundry by WEDO at 34 L. Asatiani Str.

Spanish artist WEDO immortalized a familiar and beloved Tbilisi scene—the sight of laundry hanging to dry in Tbilisi courtyards, something both locals and foreigners often admire.

Growing up in Spain, this custom was a big part of his childhood. It wasn’t just about hanging clothes—it was a chance to connect, chat with neighbors, and feel part of a community.

As he explains, he deeply misses it in big cities, where individualism often takes over, and neighborhood life slowly fades away.

Medea and Jason By VESOD at 18 G. Tabidze Str. 

Renowned Italian artist VESOD pays tribute to the captivating tale of Medea and Jason in this magnificent mural.

VESOD’s painting draws inspiration from the myth of Medea and captures the moment when she prepares the potion for Jason.

Chughureti (Marjanishvili) neighborhood

The historic area of Chughureti is home to a few stunning murals you can’t miss on your mission to hunt down these artworks.

A girl by Tamoonz at 73 Giorgi Chubinashvili Str. 

I love Tamoonz’s typical red-haired girls in various themes. Done within Niko Movement in 2020, shows a curly, long, red-haired girl holding a shining star in her hand with a black background night’s sky full of stars.

Flying Painter by Dilk and Feros

Petre Otskheli was a prominent Georgian costume designer of the early 20th century. He pioneered avant-garde and constructivist art movements in Georgia and is particularly renowned for his innovative approach to art and his visionary ideas.

One of his most famous creations is the Flying Painter sketch, which has become extremely popular and an iconic representation of his artistic vision.

White Rhino by Dante at 33 G. Mazniashvili str.

This was one of Dante’s first murals within the framework of the Niko Movement, focusing on the last white rhino shot by a human.

Fabrika Tbilisi

Fabrika Tbilisi was probably the first venue with street art in the neighborhood. It is also one of those places where you can find works of various artists in one place.

Fabrika used to host the Fabrikafiti festival to give the space of its walls to artists to decorate its gray facade. And if you’d like to stay in one of the coolest hostels, choose your room here.

Squid By Kuba at 87 M. Tsinamdzghvrishvili str.

Another one by German street artist Kuba around the Marjanishvili area was done within the Niko Movement 2019.

By Monkeybird 97 M. Tsinamdzghvrishvili Str.

Monkey Bird is a dynamic duo of contemporary artists from Bordeaux, France. Renowned for their innovative approach, Monkey Bird employs symbolic anthropomorphism in their artworks – skillfully portraying wild animals within urban landscapes. 

Their artistic repertoire spans various mediums, including stencil, collage, spray painting, drawing, carving, silkscreen, and engraving. The mural in Tbilisi was created within Tbilisi Mural Fest 2021.

Polar bear by Dante at 55 D. Uznadze str. [partly overpainted]

Dante is one of my favorite street artists tackling animal protection and environmental issues. This one is another of my favorites by him, done within the Niko Movement 2019.

Girl swimming in plastic by Musya at 56 D. Uznadze Str.

Another of my absolute favorite pieces, next to the polar bear mural, is this stunning piece by Mysia, focusing on the plastic waste that accumulates in our seas and oceans.

Simpson Inspired Niko Pirosmani by Gamez at 4 Tchorokhi Str.

If you’ve seen Pirosmani’s famous painting Fisherman in the National Gallery, you’ll figure out that it is a Simpsons-inspired artwork by Gamez done within the Niko Movement 2018.

Girl By El Bocho at 182 D. Aghmashenebeli Ave

El Bocho is a muralist from Berlin whose signature is to paint female characters with multicolored hair. He did this piece on a 13-meter-high wall within the Tbilisi Mural Fest 2019.

Pirosmani By David Samkharadze at 23 M. Bukhaidze str.

One more Georgian street artist whose piece was inspired by Niko Pirosmani and his dining scenes, but this one has a slightly social-economic aspect of the current era, in my opinion. I may be wrong.

Vera & Mtatsminda neighborhoods

Sadly, Vera neighborhood doesn’t have murals in general, so here are just a few you can find here. And Mtatsminda just got one in 2022. Because these two neighborhoods are adjoining each other, I decided to combine them.

Seraphite by Case Maclaim at 22 A. Griboedov Str.

Adorning the next building of the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, Case Maclaim (Andres Von Chrzanowski) created one more gorgeous piece in 2020.

Nature by Dilk and Feros at 28/47 V. Barnovi str.

Made by Ukrainian artists within the Niko Movement 2018, this grand mural of the residential house focuses on balancing everything and incorporates the Georgian word “Buneba” (Nature in English).

A Man with a Mustache by Jokonda at 7 V Barnovi. Str 

Jokonda, Tornike Melikidze, is another Georgian street artist who painted this charming house resembling a man with a mustache within the Niko Movement 2019.

King Rostevan and Tinatin illustration at 24 Chonqadze Str.

Like Baratashvili Bridge Underpass, the artwork showcases the main characters of the medieval poem The Knight in the Panther’s Skin by Shota Rustaveli – King Rostevan and his female successor, Tinatin, highlighting the theme of gender equality.

The initial sketch was created by David Machavariani, based on the same graphic illustrations of the Baratashvili Bridge Underpass, while Irakli Kadeishvili put it on the wall.

Vake neighborhood

Like the Vera neighborhood, Vake wasn’t home to much street art in Tbilisi. However, in the past years, that has changed. Now, you can find a handful of extensive and magnificent artwork while walking some of its main streets.

Pumpkin Lady by ApheNoah at 4a E. Takaishvili str. 

This is the second work by a duo under ApheNoah. Olivier Hollatze (Aphe) and Noah Kauertz (Noah) did their first collaborative street art in 2019 in Germany and, since then, have created many fascinating murals together.

Their style shown in dialogic paintings shifts smoothly between abstraction and illustration. Atmospheric color aesthetics also distinguish their paintings from others.

Kiss by Otooo at 15 I. Abashidze Str.

I find this mural very cute and charming, so I decided to include it in the post.

[unknown] by Case Maclaim at 23 N. Ramishvili III Dead End

This new mural added in 2024 replaces Case Maclaim’s previous work called Hands.

I couldn’t find any information about the name or story behind this 2024 mural—neither Case Maclaim nor Tbilisi Mural Fest has shared anything about it.

But in true Case Maclaim fashion, the piece is incredibly realistic and detailed. At the center is a young girl with two hands—one male, one female—resting on her cheek.

There’s something about the image that feels unsettling. To me, it hints at a possible narrative of domestic violence, though that might just be my interpretation.

Horse by Dante at 27 N. Ramishvili III Dead End

Dante painted one more massive street art within the Tbilisi Mural Fest 2020.

Locked Down by Innerfields at 39B I. Chavchavadze Ave. 

Innerfields’s another awesome work devoted to the pandemic and a lockdown called Living in a Golden Cage, painted within Tbilisi Mural Fest 2020.

A Girl By Sasha Korban at 75 I. Chavchavadze Ave.

His powerful pieces worldwide make Sasha Korban my favorite street artist. And this one is as powerful and meaningful as the others I have seen. 

Done in 2022, right after the Russian-Ukraine war, the team at Tbilisi Mural Fest found an excellent wall for this Ukrainian artist to showcase his work – in front of the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi! 

The mural depicts a Ukrainian woman adorned in a traditional embroidered shirt, gracefully clutching a magnificent bouquet of wildflowers intertwined with wheat. Her face oozes pride and radiance as she gazes confidently forward, subtly smiling in the face of challenges and fears. 

“It symbolizes our strength, inner energy, freedom, and will. Despite the terrible and cruel war, we, as a nation, will endure, become even stronger, and we will live!” he explains.

Saburtalo neighborhood

One of the best areas to see street art in Tbilisi is the Saburtalo neighborhood. There are at least a dozen different murals here. However, some are scattered across the district and far from each other.

Portal by 1010 at 9 Bakhtrioni Str. 

1010 (read as ten ten), originally from Poland but based in Humburg, Germany, has a very distinctive style of painting portal-like enigmatic illustrations. He focuses on the abstract idea of creating “holes in the walls.”

Fawn in Nature at 7 Bakhtrioni Str. 

Two Georgian artists, Irakli Kadeishvili (Kade90) and Zaza Chipchiuri (Z. Ch), made this mural. The charming and gorgeous mural has Georgian writings on the top and bottom. It says ‘No War with Nature’ on top and #talktonature on the bottom.

Blue Tablecloth by Tina Chertova at 12 Bakhtrioni Str. 

Tina Chertova drew inspiration for this mural from traditional Georgian ornaments. She created a striking composition on the wall by combining elements from old Georgian ornaments from different books and designed a Georgian Blue Tablecloth. 

She aimed to present traditional ornaments in a contemporary art shape and setting within Tbilisi Mural Fest 2022.

A portrait by Fintan Magee at 12 Bakhtrioni Str.

An Australian artist, Fintan Magee, found inspiration for his mural in Tbilisi. During his time in Georgia in 2022, he captured photographs of people, leading to the creation of a remarkable mural. 

The mural depicts a woman holding a Georgian historical artifact, standing in front of a mirror with her own child. The artwork symbolizes the significance of culture and the transmission of traditions across generations. 

The artists used the technique of tilted glass to give the painting a unique effect, allowing the person to resonate as a universal figure. The abstract nature of the mural emphasizes its relatability to anyone.

Coyote by Nasca One at 13 Bakhtrioni Str.

Nasca One, Armin E. Mendocilla, is a German/Peruvian muralist and illustrator known for his powerful, dense, incredible, unreal metaphorical illustrations featuring flashy characters of ethnic aspects and psychedelic concepts of fauna and flora.

Concrete Air By David Kelber at 30 Bakthtrioni str.

This mural perfectly portrays the concern of many locals of Tbilisi that the air quality could be better, and the city has been expanding into a concrete jungle without leaving many green spaces in the city.

In Love by David Kelber at 30 Bakthtrioni str.

Right next to his Concrete Air is another beautiful piece created within Niko Movement 2021.

Passing By by ApheNoah at 1 Z. Panaskertel-Tsitsishvili Str.

The first mural in Tbilisi of the duo ApheNoah created within Tbilisi Mural Fest 2020 is behind David Kelber’s murals. Follow the street as it turns, and you can’t miss it. 

Independence Day mural at 39 S. Tsintsadze Str. 

Done within the Niko Movement, this street art is dedicated to Georgia’s Independence Day.

The artist Giorgi Kalandarishvili, with the pen name Pablo, got inspiration from those five women who signed the Independence Act of Georgia on May 26, 1918.

That’s why the mural showcases five hands with a fountain pen on a background of the Georgian flag and the Independence Act.

He also notes that this is his message to women: Never stop fighting for independence and freedom.

Stop War by Goga Katsarava at 1a A. Kalandadze Str.

This one shows the solidarity with Ukraine and its battle with Russia. Based on the artist’s style, the mural is abstract and showcases how good defeats evil. 

As Goga explains, he wanted to respond to the ongoing war and express his protest. The mural shows a STOP sign with ‘War’ tagged on it, accompanied by an inspiring quote.

Vazha Pshavela mural at 3 V. Pshavela Ave. 

Vazha Pshavela is the pen name of Luka Razikashvili, a Georgian poet of the late 19th century. His pen name in Georgian means ‘Son of Pshavs’ (Pshavi is a small historic area of the country lying at the foothills of the Caucasus mountains and now part of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region). 

In his works, he painted vivid pictures of everyday life and the thoughts of his fellow Pshavs. Vazha has written 36 epic tales, around 400 poems, plays, stories, and even some literary critique, journalism, and scholarly articles with an ethnographic twist.

Even in his fiction, he always captured the essence of Georgian Highlander life with impressive detail, almost like he was documenting an entire world of mythical ideas. 

This beautiful mural, created by David Samkharadze, shows him in traditional clothes and showcases two of his most beloved works – The Tale of the Roe and Eagle. The mural was created to mark his birthday and stands at the beginning of the Avenue named after him.

Phoenix Carpet by Ju Mu at 38 V. Pshavela Ave. 

The moment you see this mural, the bold colors and intricate patterns instantly hint at South American roots.

Painted by Ju Mu, a Berlin-based artist with Chilean-Peruvian heritage, the piece features a Phoenix—symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.

A Girl Rugby Player by Tamoonz at 42 V. Pshavela Ave. 

Tamoonz and Niko Movement devoted this mural to female rugby players with a very characteristic girl typical of the Tamoonz style.

Sukhishvilebi Mural at 15 Kavtaradze Str. 

Sukhishvilebi is a renowned Georgian national dance ensemble that is internationally recognized for its captivating performances. Founded in 1945, Sukhishvilebi showcases traditional Georgian dances, music, and costumes, preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Georgia. 

One notable Georgian national dance is Khorumi – a dynamic and powerful war dance from the western region of Georgia. It showcases the bravery and courage of Georgian warriors and is characterized by intense movements, acrobatics, and synchronized formations. 

Dante and his assistant, Acho Khutsishvili, created the mural that pays tribute to Khorumi.

Jump by Dante at V. Pshavela II Turn

It wouldn’t be Dante if he didn’t incorporate an animal into this amazing basketball court. A drone shot makes the gorgeous gazelle in jumping motion more visible (see picture). But it’s fascinating from the ground level as well.

Growth mural by Artez at 1 E. Mindeli Str. 

Another fascinating piece by Artez in the Saburtalo area. As he explains in his Instagram post, he plays with repetition and size to tell a story about growth. 

It inspires us to look after different things together, as it is the key to strengthening our bond with each other and those that are dear to us. We need to trust the seeds we plant to grow inside out.

Amirani by Musya Qeburia at 45 V. Daraselia str. 

This mural is a new addition to Niko Movement 2022, where Georgian artist Musya focuses on the current Ukraine-Russia war and what it means for Georgia. 

Amirani is a cultural hero of a Georgian epic, similar to Prometheus, who’s changed on the Caucasus mountains and eagles eating his liver. In the art made by Musya, she represents the triangle of Georgia, Ukraine, and Russia relationships. 

Zebras by Snyder at 39 S. Chikovani Str.

Snyder is another German muralist invited by Tbilisi Mural Fest in 2019 to add his very characteristic zebras to Tbilisi’s mural scene. You can certainly get close to his brutalist residential house to admire it from close up, but I preferred to look at it from far from here. 

Peacemakers by Innerfields at 20 Likhauri St

Innerfields are a group of muralists born and based in Berlin, Germany, who have been growing up with graffiti. The main focus of Innerfields artists is to reflect on the environment and present metaphorical motives realistically.

Most of the time, their murals have a mixture of graphical elements and symbols. And their Peacemaker is no exception to their primary mission. The photo was taken from this spot.

Varketili neighborhood

Varketili, the outskirt district of Tbilisi, has many Soviet residential apartment blocks, making a perfect canvas for artists.

Here, you can find a lot of beautiful street art in Tbilisi done within Niko Movement and Tbilisi Mural Fest during different years.

The colors of some old ones have faded due to contact exposure to the sun. However, they are still beautiful and visible.

Our Roof by Fabien at V. Kupradze Str. building 7a

Created by a Belgian artist within the Niko Movement 2023, Our Roof refers to the sky, the awe-inspiring place we all share.

The mural symbolizes that we sometimes must stop and escape from everyday life to see the bigger picture and appreciate the beauty surrounding us. 

Changing the Bulb by Slim Safont and WEDO at I. Sukhishvili Str. building 311.

Another relatively new piece on a 45m high wall of a residential building is a collaboration between Slim Safont & WEDO for Tbilisi Mural Fest 2023.

It took them 11 days to create the mural, and they used two local youngsters to pose for them in the photoshoot to make the base of the painting.

The mural portrays the change in society, the shift from a darker past to a brighter future, with the new generations taking control with the support and teamwork to achieve change.

Changing the bulb is an analogy of substituting, adjusting, and developing into something better and brighter. 

Ilia’s House by Mohamed I’Ghacham at I. Sukhishvili Str. building 32.

Ilia’s Room shows the living room of the famous Georgian public figure and author Ilia Chavchavadze, who led the rebirth of the Georgian national movement in the second half of the 19th century.

He is considered as one of the founders of modern Georgia. 

The mural is a thought-provoking piece that opens an architectural conversation between the interior of the previous era and the exterior of a typical Soviet building.

Boy by Kade90 and Zaza Chipchiuri at 33 Mebrdzolta Str.

This mural was created by two Georgian artists, Irakli Qadeishvili (Kade90) and Zaza Chipchiuri, within Tbilisi Mural Fest 2021.

Made with bright and vivid colors, it perfectly shows a child’s innocence and simultaneously diversifies the neighborhood’s gray buildings.

Nona Gaprindashvili by David Samkharadze at 34 Mebrdzolta Str.

Nona Gaprindashvili is a famous Georgian female chess player or the real Queens Gambit if you’ve seen the top-rated Netflix mini-series.

Nona was the first female ever awarded the FIDE title Grandmaster back in 1978 and has also won the women’s world chess championship five times. 

La Liberte by Nubian at 36 Mebrdzolta Str.

La Liberte means “freedom” in French and represents that feeling. It’s enjoyable to be free of all sorts of responsibilities, like the wind that blows the clouds. Done within Niko Movement.

War Will End by Sasha Korban at 2a D. Aleksidze Str.

Ukrainian artist Sasha Korban is no longer a stranger to Tbilisi and Georgia, as he has several murals in the capital and even in Kutaisi.

His War Will End mural was painted within the Niko Movement in 2022 and is devoted to those who will meet their loved ones [after the war] and those who don’t have such possibility anymore. 

Mokheve by Gera at 2b D. Aleksidze Str.

This Tbilisi Mural, created by a Greek artist, Gera, was done within the Tbilisi Mural Fest 2023. It shows a woman dressed in traditional Georgian attire surrounded by symbols of Georgian culture. 

He based his art on 20th-century black-and-white photos and decided to revive it in a colorful and vibrant piece highlighting the renewal of tradition through contemporary art. The deformed and altered woman’s face also signifies different personalities within this woman.

Conductor of Autumn by Primal at D. Aleksidze str. building 1

Primal is a French muralist with a distinctive style of retro characters. His art combines organic and geometric elements between a disturbing atmosphere and a quirky dream.

He mainly represents the complexity of a tormented soul in his works. 

Georgian Composition by Mishiko Sulakauri at S. Takaishvili str. building 319a

Another mural by a Georgian artist conveys Georgian elements, themes, and ornaments, as well as the title of a very famous poem, Qari Qris (“Whirls the Wind” in English) by Galaktion Tabidze.

Maro Makashvili by Sasha Korban S. Takaishvili Str. building 319b

With Georgian artists, Sasha created a portrait honoring Maro Makashvili, a young Georgian woman and a national hero killed by the Red Army in 1921.

Born in a noble family of poets and writers, Maro, a student of Tbilisi State University, volunteered as a nurse when the Red Army invaded Georgia. She was sent to Korori along with the Georgian Regiment and was killed by fragments of a shell two days later.

From age 16 until her death, she kept a diary that is now part of the Tbilisi Literature Museum and was published as a book. The blue color of the mural replicates the ink she used when journaling.

Trusting Me by Javier Barriga at S. Takaishvili Str. building 319

This fresh mural, created within Tbilisi Mural Fest, is a work of art by a Chilean artist based on the poem of the same name – Apegado a mi in Spanish – by the Nobel laureate poet Gabriela Mistral. He dedicated his work to all mothers who care for and love their children.

The translated version of the poem is written in Georgian at the bottom of the building. Javier shares his culture with the people of Georgia with this incredibly beautiful mural.

Joestar by Nuno Viegas at S. Takaishvili Str. building 318

This mural of a man with a yellow background on the 35m wall of yet another Soviet residential building is the biggest solo wall of a Portuguese artist. According to him, this is his favorite piece now.

The man is his good friend and team member Joestar, and it symbolizes a celebration and a gift of the path they have taken together from the very first days of their friendship when they painted graffiti in their small town of Quarteira.

Freedom by Nanina Anguladze and Giorgi Gigauri at S. Takaishvili Str. building 319k

A new addition, this mural is dedicated to freedom based on a sketch of Tina Chertova.

The illustration-like piece has a vast meaning of being free in all aspects of our lives and has a text on the bottom right corner: “Everything good starts with freedom.” I love the superhero-like vibe of it.

Cowboy by Matthias Mross at S. Takaishvili Str. building 39

Matthias is a German muralist who has painted several walls across the country within the Niko Movement. One of them is this urban cowboy he did in the Varketili neighborhood.

He incarnates everything that inspires him into his art, including retro-futurism, the peculiar aesthetics of the 1990s, the game of contrast (countryside confronting the city or fake meeting luxurious), and suburban freedom, to name a few.

Georgian Football Players by Afraz Pirzade at 40 S. Takaishvili Str.

The golden trio of the Georgian National Football Team has a mural dedicated to their achievements and skills shown at the UEFA EURO 2024, the very first time we ever played at the tournament.

The entire Georgian National Football Team made history by winning in the qualifying matches and did pretty great during the big matches at the EURO.

This fresh mural, made within the Tbilisi Mural Festival, tributes Gigorgi Mamardashvili (goalkeeper), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (forward), and George Mikautadze (forward).

Mamardashvili had 29 saves for the entire time we played in Group F. Khvicha, on the other hand, got a reward as a play of the match on June 26, when we won 2-0 against Portugal. Mikautadze even received Euro 2024 Golden Boot as one of the top goalscorers of the tournament.

Flowers to My Mother by Mazza at 54 S. Takaishvili Str

Thiago Mazza is a Brazilian street artist who taught himself how to paint. He is famous for modern urban art, painting flora and fauna. He focuses on tropical plants, their dense foliage, and their lush structure.

The inspiration for this mural came from a small garden he has back home, most of the plants being gifts from his mom.

My mother significantly influences my current work because, with her, I’ve learned to relate to plants, the same plants my mom always gives as a gift to anyone who goes into her house. So, those plants are my gift to the fantastic Georgian people.

Girl Empowerment by Lion Fleischmann at S. Takaishvili Str. building 412

Another mural made by German artists was devoted to the empowerment of girls. This is Lion’s version of St. George the Dragonslayer.

On his Instagram profile, he captions his as: “Young overcomes old. Small defeats, big. David vs. Goliath style”.

Trust by Artez at R. Dvali Str. building 327

Artez, a Serbian artist, mixes photorealism with illustration in his murals. His everyday life’s location, things, and persons inspire him. He wanted to paint two walls for a while, telling a story about trust.

This mural was inspired by the story of William Tell and his son. Instead of the apple, he painted a pear above her head, and instead of William with a bow, he left the background empty. 

What I like about this intervention is that, besides creating a story that can exist on its own, I have also created an element that might affect the intervention on the neighboring wall, thus making this mural a part of “site-specific elements” that could be used for inspiration in future.

Tbilisi’s other neighborhoods

Abkhazia is Georgia! by Afzan Pirzade at 14 Rkinigza Str. (Station Square)

This mural shows three iconic places in Abkhazia – Bedia Cathedral on top, Gagra’s restaurant Gagripshi in the middle, and the beach of Bitchvinta (also called Pitsunda) at the bottom.

What makes this mural even unique is that it was the idea of the residents, the IDPs from Abkhazia, who had to flee their homes in 1992 when the Abkhazia war broke out. Ever since, it’s been a breakaway region occupied by Russia.

A few residents sat in the courtyard as I took pictures one Sunday afternoon, so I approached and asked about the mural, which turned into a friendly conversation about their lives here, Abkhazia itself, and, of course, a bit of politics.

Even though the home is far away, this mural is a hope, desire, and aspiration to return. And as I waved goodbye, one man said: “We’ll meet you there!”.

Note: On Google Maps, this street is marked as Rkinigza Street; however, on the street itself, it has plates of Avtandil Ioseliani Street. Follow the pin on my Google Maps list to find it.

Carry on by TELMO MIEL at 5 Abastumani Str. (Station Square)

Dutch artists Telmo and Miel, the surrealists on canvas and wall, created this work on the wall behind the Dezerter’s Bazar, a few minutes from Station Square. 

It shows the life journey of a young adult heading towards a bright future, bringing his culture and traditions with him.

He finds himself in many places and circumstances during this journey, so he has several different clothes and multiple hands. The cultural background he was raised in will sometimes help and occasionally slow him on this journey, but in the end, it will stay with him.

Tita by Giorgi Pablo Kalandarishvili (Vazisubani)

I absolutely love the details of this mural, which ideally represent the farmer’s life around vine cultivation. The color grading of the Tita grape and the farmer’s worn-out fingers is simply impeccable! 

Vazisubani in Georgian means the “district of vine,” and symbolically, Georgian artist Pablo Kalandarishvili decided to devote his piece to the country’s several century-old traditions of viniculture. 

Assisted by Gvantsa Chakvetadze, the mural was one within Tbilisi Mural Fest 2023. 

BlueTabla by Tina Chertova and Nanina Andguladze (Vazisubani)

You might have seen a similar piece by Tina in Saburtalo in this post, but this one is entirely different yet still features the typical Georgian traditional elements. 

I think this is higher and has more animal symbols than the Saburtalo one. Moreover, it also includes the area’s name, Vazisubani, which is written in Georgian script.

Hold Me Tight by JDL at 6/8 T. Eristavi str. (Didube)

My absolute favorite Tbilisi mural. I can watch it every day without getting bored of it. Judith de Leeuw, also known as JDL, made this tall Tbilisi mural. Her works are striking, and this one is no exception either. 

She explains on her Instagram post that it’s a tribute to all the beautiful and broken people she has met in the past. She notes that people are often ashamed of their vulnerability, while she sees beauty in it, so she made a mural to remind us that we should embrace ourselves and our fragility. 

Tbilisi by Matteo at 70/1 David Guramishvili Ave. (Grmaghele)

Italian muralist Matteo Capobianco gave a fascinating street art to Tbilisi – his portrait of Tbilisi, where he presented various symbolic places of the city intervened with each other in his characteristic style that resembles medieval book illustrations.

Olichka by Nina K at 70/1 David Guramishvili Ave. (Grmaghele)

This Ukrainian girl with a sun in her hands is devoted to Nina’s Ukrainian grandma, Olichka.

The mural is full of meaning and symbolism: the golden sun represents a new life, the wheat crown is hope, the acorn (oak nut) in the hair is a symbol of resilience, the gold-colored crown and blue sky represent Ukraine, while the white dress and red hair represent Georgia.

Mural against gender-based violence

Project Men Care is an initiative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to popularize fathers’ involvement in their children’s upbringing. 

And this particular mural in Tbilisi was part of the 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, which starts on November 25 annually. 

Finding Good Balance by Sasha Korban at Beri Gabriel Salosi I Turn (Isani/Elektrowerk)

This is another one of my absolute favorite street art pieces in Tbilisi, painted by a Ukrainian artist years ago. And here is how he describes his mural on Instagram: 

This mural supports the idea of finding a good balance in life. The fragile young girl reflects humanity’s internal harmony and the joy of existence. A bunch of chairs is a metaphor for the world’s chaos and the diversity of different moments we all go through – positive, tragic, happy, and sad. They make us balance and find harmony.