Fine Art nominee

In olden days, Georgians spoke of a mythical patron of hunters and animals, a pagan goddess of forests and mountains. Named Dáli, she was often depicted as a young woman of blinding beauty. A strong and independent spirit, she would maintain balanced and respectful relationship between hunters and their prey, would keep human appetite in check, only letting them take what they need to eat and feed their villages.

But after Christianity spread to Georgia, the role of the patron of hunt passed on to Saint George, the country’s heavenly protector. Unable to withstand the competition with a rival that strong, Dáli is slowly turned from anthropomorphic spirit into an animal-like creature, a beast who posed great danger to man. All good in her would be denied.

This metamorphosis from spirit to animal—from goddess to monster—took place against the backdrop of the struggle between Paganism and Christianity in Georgia: an epic conflict between old gods and new Saints, between primaeval feminine magic and male-dominated religion, Nature and the unchecked expansion of human ambition.

Andrew is a professional photographer with 12 years of experience, specializing in environmental, editorial and corporate portraits. Currently based between Paris, France and Tbilisi, Georgia, he works on assignments across Europe, in the US, Russia, Georgia and Turkey.

Exhibitions:
​​Solo exhibition: Actors’ company of Pyotr Fomenko Workshop Theatre (Moscow, 2019)
​​Tokyo International Foto Awards (Tokyo, 2019)
​​Solo exhibition: #ImaginingGeorgia (Tbilisi, 2017)
​​The Hollywood Reporter. The best (Moscow, 2017)
​​Head On Photo Festival (Sydney, 2016)
​​10 years of RBC Magazine. The best (Moscow, 2016)
​​Speos alumni over the past 28 years (Paris, 2013)
​​Solo exhibition: Les Visages des Puces (Paris, 2013)
​​Peaches & Cream (London, 2013)
​​Promenades Photographiques festival (Paris, 2013)
​​Peaches & Cream (London, 2012)
​​Photopeople project (Moscow, 2011)

​​Awards:
​​TIFA 2017 (Events – 2nd Place; Events / Sport – Gold)
​​Rangefinder Magazine's RF Seeing The Light contest 2017 (Three plus lights – First prize )
​​Kuala Lumpur Photography Awards 2017 (Defining family – Finalist)
​​Rangefinder Magazine's RF The Portrait contest 2016 (Family – Winner)
International Photography Awards 2013 (Honorable mention)
​​Exposure photography competition 2013 (People – First prize)
​​Prix de la Photographie PX3 2013 (Book Documentary – Bronze; Press/People/Personality – Bronze )
Bourse de Talent 2013 (Shortlisted)