About Georgian calligraphy
Calligraphy is a unique way to show and emphasize the culture of a specific nation. It has the ability to express the stages of cultural and social development.
Asomtavruli is the primary Georgian Alphabet. After some time it was transformed into Khutsuri, which was replaced by the modern Georgian alphabet — Mkhedruli. Despite this, Asomtavruli hasn't lost its function. It has been used intensively in Iconography, mural painting and in exterior design, especially in stone carving. Most of the time, the inscription is not used as an information source, it is often a fragment of the composition and it can be called an independent element of the painting. It is often used as a finishing touch for the art-work. An artist needs a lot of concentration while working on the calligraphy part of the painting, because if the inscription is not done well, it can damage the whole composition.
In my opinion, modern calligraphy shouldn't be the exact copy of the ancient masters, but at the same time, it shouldn't abandon the old heritage. The Georgian Calligraphy should develop this way to multiply talents.
In addition, I would like to introduce you the names of the old masters. Manuscripts saved us their names:
Mikaeli (IX c.), Ioane Zosime (X c.), Gabrieli (XV c.), Gabriel Patarai (XV c.), Iovane Berai (X c.), Makari Leteleli (IX c.), Iovane Meli (XI c.), Arseni (XII century), Giorgi Dodosi (XII c.), Avgaroz Bandaisdze (XIV c.), Mamuka Tavakarashvili (XVII c.), Begtabeg Taniashvili (XVII c.).
Being the continuator of these masters is a great honor and responsibility for each of us.
