This is an identity project for “Kartli” – a festival of Georgian Poetry held in Peredelkino, Moscow. The goal of the festival is to spread awareness about Georgian poets among the wider audience, which is not familiar with the literature of the country. “Kartli” hosts lectures and workshops, focusing on reading clubs and discussions among the researchers, publicists and Georgian authors. The festival values cultural heritage of Georgian poetry scene, praising such poets as Shota Rustaveli, Akaki Tsereteli and Ilya Chavchavadze

Georgian poetry often employs vivid imagery, symbolism, and a deep connection to nature, showcasing the country’s stunning landscapes and rich traditions. Themes of love, spirituality, and national pride are prevalent, making Georgian poetry not just a reflection of personal sentiment but also a vessel for cultural heritage. The art form remains a vital aspect of Georgian identity, celebrated in literature festivals and public readings, ensuring its ongoing relevance in contemporary society. This symbolism served as a primal sort of inspiration for the project.

The identity is based on the liquidity of condensed and bold Georgian type and the metaphor of subtitles which serve as a translation tool between Russian and Georgian languages. The choice of bright, contrasting orange color came from the vivid ornaments of Georgian traditional crafts. Another prominent feature of the identity are minimalistic illustrations, referring to tiny pictograms in Soviet books, depict symbols and scenes from Georgian folklore: a dagger, a bowl of vine, a monastery and others. I’ve also included transcriptions of certain Georgian words into Cyrillic symbols so the audience can fully merge with the authentic sound of Georgian verbal speech.

Being of Georgian heritage myself and spending a lot of time in my childhood there, the main aim for me, as a designer and an admirer of the culture, was to capture the warmth and dignity of Georgian poetry.