This project is inspired by Tusheti, a remote and mystical place in the mountains of Georgia, where magical parallel worlds feel within reach. The region’s rich mythology assures us that the mountains are home to many magical creatures The creature we find in these landscapes represents life behind the veil. In places like Tusheti, where the veil between worlds is thin, a sensitive human can feel the presence and see through.

This visionary project finds its genesis in the ethereal landscapes of Tusheti, an enigmatic and secluded realm nestled within the majestic Georgian mountains. In this remote haven, mystical realms and otherworldly dimensions seem tantalizingly close, beckoning the imagination to traverse the boundaries of ordinary existence. Drawing inspiration from the region’s abundant folklore and vibrant mythology, the project unveils a profound exploration into the hidden depths of existence, wherein the very essence of life behind the veil finds expression.

Within the evocative landscapes of Tusheti, the fabric between realities grows gossamer-thin, inviting those with heightened sensitivity to perceive the stirring presence that lies beyond. It is here, amidst these pristine vistas, that a communion with the extraordinary becomes attainable, enabling perceptive souls to glimpse the unseen and pierce the veil that separates mundane and extraordinary realms.

Imbued with the spirit of this liminal space, the project unearths a captivating creature, an embodiment of the veiled existence that thrives within these mystical mountains. Symbolizing the enigmatic life that pulsates beyond our immediate perception, this creature serves as an emissary, revealing the intricate interplay between the tangible and the intangible.

Through the convergence of folklore and artistic vision, the project celebrates the rich tapestry of Tusheti’s mythology, wherein tales of magical beings that dwell amidst the peaks abound. Each folklore-laden narrative intertwines with the landscape, intertwining the stories of hidden creatures and the ethereal energies that infuse these mountains with an enchanting allure.

In these hallowed realms, the project invites contemplation and introspection, encouraging viewers to attune their senses to the subtleties of the natural world. It evokes a profound reverence for the interconnectedness of all existence, hinting at the transcendent nature of reality and the possibility of glimpsing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

Ultimately, this project is a testament to the profound sensitivity of the human spirit, attuned to the delicate threads that weave the tapestry of our world. It whispers of the transformative power that lies in recognizing the intangible, beckoning us to venture beyond the realm of the mundane and embrace the mysteries that lie just beyond the veil.

Video and photography by Dato Kordze.

Sound and performance by Conor O’Hanlon.

project developed at MAD  Museum NY

“At MAD, Bekaia will work on an ongoing project entitled “Finding Paradise,” which explores mysteries of numerology and codes in language, such as South Caucasian Georgian. He will create, or reinvent, a sculptural costume inspired by tribal, sacred, ritualistic costumes of Caucasus. It will be presented as sculpture as well as performance and video.”