Ana Akhalaia: The Rising Value of a Georgian Artist
The name of Georgian artist, Ana Akhalaia is becoming increasingly visible among the collectors all around the world. At only 27, Ana is already building a career beyond borders. Her works have been exhibited in different galleries of European cities and attracted the attention of international galleries and collectors.
For Ana, international recognition is not only a personal achievement. She presents herself as an artist from Georgia to mark the name of her country on global art map. Her paintings are limited in number and, as a result, growing in value.
This year, Ana will participate in TAF 2026 in Tbilisi, followed by a planned exhibition in European cities and several international art events.
You are only 27, but your works are already sold internationally. How would you introduce yourself to someone who does not know you yet?
Very simply, my name is Ana Akhalaia and I’m artist from Georgia. I have opportunity to speak with international audience and I always emphasize the country I come from. For me, being Georgian is not just biographical information. It is part of my identity, my visual language, my sensitivity, and the way I see the world. Of course, my paintings are personal but I like the idea that something deeply personal can still be understood by people from completely different countries.
What does it mean for a Georgian artist to sell internationally?
The work that was created by me is entering someone’s home or collection and that is the honor. I think that Georgian art has real export potential. We have very strong artists, individual voices and a cultural background that can be interesting for the whole world. Hence, when my works are sold internationally, I feel that it strengthens not only my career, but the image of Georgian contemporary art.
Who are your buyers today — local collectors, international collectors, galleries, private clients?
Most of the buyers are private collectors who discovered my works through the galleries that represent me. Since last year, after my museum exhibition, I started receiving more interest from international private collectors. That was a very important moment for me, because it showed that the connection with my work could go beyond one specific place or audience. I am grateful when people choose to live with my paintings. For an artist, that is a very intimate form of trust.
What causes the fact that the price of your art has increased significantly?
I think the value of an artist’s work grows when several things happen together. In my case, international sales played an important role, as well as participation in important exhibitions and the fact that my works are limited. Each work belongs to a specific period, emotion, and stage of my development.
TAF 2026 is also important in this sense. It is a strong platform, and for me it is another step in presenting my work more seriously. Price growth is not something I see only as a financial fact. For me, it means that there is growing trust and interest.
What are your future plans?
The nearest important plan is my participation in TAF 2026 in Tbilisi. After that, I am preparing for an exhibition in Europe, which is especially meaningful for me. I feel responsibility and excitement, because I will be there as a Georgian artist, with my name, my work, and my story.
There are also several international art fairs planned, and one international commercial project that is currently in progress. In general, my goal is to be more active internationally, to grow step by step, and to keep marking Georgia on the map through what I do.
