2024
16 galleries
Returning to Georgia sixteen years after the 2008 Russian invasion, I find the country bracing for yet another Russian threat. Since my early reporting in Eastern Europe in 2014 and the recent escalation in Ukraine, this moment feels uniquely tense. My latest collection captures a Georgia at a crossroads, as the October 26 election teeters between peace and potential upheaval, between the dream of a European Georgia and the shadow of a Russian-controlled one. In the border villages and the capital alike, my lens reveals a nation’s quiet fear and resilience in the face of an uncertain future.
(VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
(VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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23 images
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66 imagesThis curated collection showcases the iconic Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi as the centerpiece of Georgia's vibrant capital. Captured from various vantage points across the city, these photographs highlight the cathedral's commanding presence, seamlessly blending its grandeur with Tbilisi's dynamic urban and natural landscapes. From dawn's first light to the soft glow of twilight, each image reflects the cathedral’s role not only as a spiritual landmark but also as a beacon of cultural and architectural significance. This gallery offers a unique perspective on the interplay between Tbilisi’s timeless charm and the modern rhythms of its surroundings, with the Holy Trinity Cathedral standing as a unifying symbol of the city's heart and soul.
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42 imagesThis gallery captures the intense atmosphere of a large-scale protest held outside the Georgian parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. The demonstration was called by the President of Georgia in response to contested election results, which are widely seen as tainted by fraud and irregularities. The photographs highlight the diverse crowd, from young children perched on their parents’ shoulders waving Georgian flags to elderly citizens draped in American flags, symbolising a call for democratic values and transparency. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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6 imagesThis gallery shows U.S. NDI and IRI delegations in Tbilisi, Georgia, on October 27, 2024, discussing the Georgian election results from the day before. Officials like Tom Malinowski and Dan Twining address the press, emphasizing democratic integrity and international cooperation. The images feature American and Georgian flags, highlighting a collaborative focus on electoral transparency. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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31 imagesThe serene afternoon sun casts a warm glow over Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, as seen from across the river on Sunday, Oct 27, 2024, one day after the elections. Buildings line the riverbanks, and trees dot the urban landscape, with the hills in the background showcasing a patchwork of homes and historic structures. Among them stands the Sameba Cathedral, a monumental church whose golden dome gleams in the light, symbolising the rich cultural and religious heritage of the city. Tbilisi's skyline blends modern development with traditional architecture, reflecting the city's dynamic growth and storied past. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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14 imagesIn the aftermath of Georgia’s national elections, Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the "Gakharia for Georgia" party, addresses the media in Tbilisi on October 27, 2024. The press conference captures Gakharia’s reflections on the election outcomes, his vision for the party's future, and key issues facing Georgia. Set against a backdrop of national and European Union flags, Gakharia delivers his statements with conviction and intensity, answering questions from a panel of media representatives. This gallery showcases a series of expressive moments from the press conference, reflecting the politician's drive and commitment to his platform. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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61 imagesThis street photography gallery captures the quiet charm and intricate details of everyday life in Gori, Georgia. Shot on a clear autumn day (Wed, Oct 23, 2024), the images reveal cobblestone streets lined with historical brick buildings, ornate iron balconies, and local storefronts that display colorful goods ranging from children's toys to handmade crafts. The photographs showcase a variety of interactions: pedestrians navigating sunlit sidewalks, friends engaging in casual conversations, and locals passing by shop windows filled with plush toys and clothing. Shadows cast by the buildings and street lamps add a dramatic contrast to the scenes, emphasizing the textures of the aged brickwork, weathered shop displays, and cobbled pavements. In these images, the ambiance of Gori emerges as both tranquil and lively—a town where history and modernity converge, and where simple moments tell a deeper story of community life. The gallery provides viewers with a vivid sense of place, portraying the cultural and architectural beauty unique to this Georgian town, alongside glimpses of its residents’ daily routines. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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26 imagesThis photo gallery captures an intimate voting experience for Yuri Lekishvili, 84, and Nani Gachichiladze, 83, a Georgian couple in Tbilisi, as they participate in the 2024 Georgian elections through a mobile polling station brought to their home. The images document election officials assisting the elderly couple, ensuring they can cast their votes despite mobility challenges. Set in their cozy, traditionally decorated living room, the gallery highlights the couple’s dedication to civic duty and the officials' supportive presence. From ballot preparation to casting votes and sealing the ballot box, each image reflects the couple's hopes for peace and a better future for Georgia. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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31 images
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32 imagesThis gallery captures the moments surrounding Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili’s voting experience at School Number 67 on Saturday, Oct 26, 2024, in Tbilisi, Georgia. As she steps into the polling station, President Zourabichvili is met with the attention of poll workers, media, and citizens, underscoring the significance of this election for the Georgian people. The images portray Zourabichvili moving through each stage of the voting process—from presenting her ID to poll workers, engaging in conversation with officials, to finally casting her ballot. In one moment, she smiles at the gathered press, a gesture that adds a personal touch to the weight of the day. After voting, she exits the polling station and shares a hopeful message with the media. “Today is a very important day,” she told reporters. “I am confident that this day will determine Georgia’s future—the future for which I personally returned to this country 22 years ago, the future for which my emigrant parents prayed their entire lives, and the future for which all of Georgia is praying.” The gallery concludes with President Zourabichvili walking out of the polling center, having expressed her hope for “a victory for Georgia, for all of Georgia.” Her presence, words, and actions reflect her belief in the power of this day to shape the future for her country and her people. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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20 images
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5 imagesThis collection captures the resilience and determination of women from the village of Shukruti in Georgia, protesting outside the Parliament in Tbilisi ahead of the national elections. These women have been barred from demonstrating at the mines near their homes, where extensive manganese extraction has left their properties cracked and damaged. Undeterred by a court ruling restricting their protest activities at the mining sites, they now bring their grievances to the capital, demanding accountability and compensation from Georgian Manganese LLC, the corporation responsible for the mining activities. Their peaceful sit-in at the steps of the Parliament is a testament to their resolve, despite legal pressures, fines, and threats of criminal charges. The protest, framed within the broader context of Georgia’s political struggle and the influence of Russian-backed Georgian Dream policies, echoes the community's fight for basic rights, environmental justice, and freedom of speech amid growing state and corporate control.
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78 imagesThis collection of street photographs from Tbilisi captures the vibrant heartbeat of Georgia's capital city, blending its historic essence with modern energy. Through candid scenes and intimate portraits, each image reveals the unfiltered moments of daily life, from the timeless beauty of its old quarters to the contrasting pulse of its rapidly evolving streets. These photographs offer a glimpse into the diverse faces, unique styles, and cultural layers that shape Tbilisi, telling a story of resilience, tradition, and transformation within a city at the crossroads of past and future.
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33 imagesThe Stalin Museum in Gori offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Joseph Stalin, who was born in this Georgian town. Through personal artefacts, rare photographs, and various memorabilia, the museum provides a comprehensive view of Stalin's rise to power, his role in Soviet history, and the complex and controversial aspects of his leadership. Set in a grandiose building, the exhibits explore Stalin’s early life, his political journey, and his influence, inviting visitors to reflect on one of the 20th century's most influential figures. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)
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28 imagesReturning to Gori after sixteen years stirs memories of a time when the unimaginable became reality: Russian tanks advancing, white-scarved, unmarked armed men marching toward Tbilisi, and the city gripped by massacres, mass killings, and relentless bombardments. The scars of those days have not faded, and the echoes of violence still resonate in the everyday fears of the people here. Within this complex backdrop, the Stalin Museum stands as a paradoxical tribute, offering a curated glimpse into the life of one of history’s most divisive figures. Preserved in his birthplace, the museum’s collection ranges from childhood artifacts to Soviet-era relics, revealing both Stalin's ascent to power and the ideological weight he still carries in the region. Each image in this gallery captures the tension between reverence and unease, reflecting a city that grapples with its complex past and the resilience of a people who live with the memories of both Stalin’s legacy and Gori’s own turbulent history.
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71 imagesThe gallery from the Georgian Dream party rally in Tbilisi, Georgia, on Oct 23, 2024, captures a variety of moments from the event, emphasizing the scale and atmosphere. It includes images of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the leader of the Georgian Dream party, addressing a massive crowd from a podium, the party’s emblem prominently displayed behind him. The crowd shots show supporters holding Georgian Dream flags and waving national flags, expressing their enthusiasm. There are close-ups of individual supporters, some engaged in conversation, others absorbed in the event or using their phones, which adds a personal touch to the larger scene. Wide shots of the gathering portray the crowd's density, showcasing the event's magnitude, while details like flags, banners, and personal expressions further emphasize the rally's significance in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections. The gallery conveys a powerful image of unity and the political importance of the moment, while also including a glimpse into the urban surroundings that frame the event. The combination of wide and close shots provides a comprehensive visual narrative of the rally and the broader political climate in Georgia. (VX Photo/ Vudi Xhymshiti)