self-portrait 1913

This self-portrait was painted by David Kakabadzé, sometime in the early 20th century. The subdued color palette, full of blues and greens, sets the tone for this intimate portrayal. You can imagine Kakabadzé standing before the canvas, brush in hand, layering thin glazes of paint to build up the image. This is a space of inquiry, where the act of painting becomes a way of seeing, thinking, and experiencing the world. Look how the brushstrokes construct the planes of his face, each stroke a deliberate mark that captures his likeness and inner state. It seems like he is having a conversation with himself here. Who am I? What do I see? It’s as if he is using the act of painting to explore and understand himself, a process that feels both deeply personal and universally human. As artists, we're always in conversation with each other, riffing on ideas, pushing boundaries, and discovering new ways of seeing. We are always inspiring one another.