“River of Memories” ("River & Its Objects") was part of the exhibition “Correct Mistakes,” organized by the Tbilisi Architecture Biennial. The exhibition was hosted at the historical Magnetic-Meteorological Observatory as part of the Biennial’s fourth edition, centered on environmental reflection and scientific analysis. Originally established for meteorological research, the Observatory provided an ideal setting to examine the complex dynamics between urban life and natural ecosystems.
The installation emerged from extensive research into the Mtkvari River in Tbilisi ("River & Its Objects"), revealing how urban development and human activity have reshaped the river’s identity. Observing the river closely highlighted the subtle ways it has been fragmented and altered over time - stairs abandoned and forgotten, infrastructure no longer maintained, and numerous invisible transformations reflecting neglect or shifting priorities.
“River of Memories” specifically addressed these overlooked interactions by organizing photographic fragments onto a historical map of Tbilisi. Each segment held evidence - small moments captured through images, tracing the quiet interactions between city life and the river. The installation revealed mundane details alongside significant urban traces, creating a mosaic of overlooked narratives and neglected spaces.
The visual arrangement emphasized the fragmented and abstract qualities of these everyday elements, shifting the viewer’s perception from functionality to presence and form. The installation’s method reinforced the Biennial’s thematic focus, challenging visitors to reconsider urban-environmental interactions and the consequences of overlooking subtle but critical details.
Ultimately, the installation encouraged careful observation and heightened awareness. It suggested that meaningful engagement with urban environments - and the possibility of correcting past mistakes - begins by noticing what has previously gone unseen. “River & Its Objects” stands as a visual testimony to the nuanced relationship between Tbilisi and the Mtkvari, documenting both what has been lost and what remains possible.
