On April 27, Tbilisi hosted its first-ever international auction dedicated entirely to Georgian modern and contemporary art, organized by Hessink’s Fine Art Auctioneers at the Museum of Modern Art. The sale featured 90 works spanning the 20th century to today and achieved a rare "white glove" result, with every lot sold. The total hammer price reached €1,019,070, exceeding €1.3 million with premiums and taxes. Notable results included Alexander (Shura) Bandzeladze's "Dream of Noah" (1989) selling for €250,000, well above its estimate, and strong performances by Mamuka Tsetskhladze, Iliko Zautashvili, Vera Pagava, Lia Bagrationi, and Guela Tsouladze. Bidders participated from the United States, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia, Spain, and Switzerland, both in person and via online platforms Drouot and Invaluable.
This auction matters because it marks a pivotal moment for the Georgian art market, which has long lacked the public, measurable infrastructure of international auction systems. By establishing transparent price benchmarks and attracting global collectors, the sale positions Georgian art within a worldwide market for the first time. Such a white-glove result signals strong demand and confidence, potentially reshaping the future valuation and visibility of Georgian artists. For an emerging market, this single event creates reference points for collectors, galleries, and institutions, helping define the economic and cultural trajectory of Georgian modern and contemporary art.