Description:
In 2016, I participated in the informal educational project – Diversity School, organized by
IrisGroup in partnership with the German organization MitOst. Through this experience, I
engaged in workshops and seminars covering various social topics and learned the process of
developing a project step by step. Meeting over 200 individuals from all across Georgia— each
with their own unique backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, and orientations—opened my eyes
even further to the richness of diversity. This deeply inspired me to create the “Moving Gallery of
Diversity”.
For six months, I worked closely with each participant, spending time with them in their daily lives
and routines. It was a truly exciting and enriching experience, allowing me to get to know so
many fascinating and diverse individuals. As I documented their lives through my camera, I also
took notes to capture their personal stories—stories that would later accompany the
photographs, presenting a parallel narrative.
The goal of the “Moving Gallery of Diversity” is to raise awareness about equality for people living in
Georgia, regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, subculture, or lifestyle. This project
strives to break down stereotypes and dogmas by offering a fresh perspective on minority groups
that is rarely seen by the general public.
Working on this project was particularly sensitive for me, as I have personally faced many of the
challenges that these minorities experience. Being part of several minority groups myself, I
deeply understand the struggles and frustrations they encounter. This connection made it even
more important for me to convey their individual stories with empathy and authenticity.
In today’s society, there is a lack of representation of these groups, and when they are
acknowledged, it is often through a lens of negativity. Misconceptions and stereotypes dominate
the narrative. For these individuals, it is crucial that their voices be heard, their individuality
recognized, and their concerns understood. This project aims to showcase their experiences,
highlighting the obstacles to their integration and exploring why they often feel like they are not
fully accepted as citizens of Georgia.
