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An exhibition at the Market Buildings in Town giving people a chance to see the current reality of little known, but increasingly relevant, geopolitical tension in the South Caucasus will close at the end of the month.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia are two regions of Georgia, making up around 20% of the country's total area, that are occupied by Russian forces. With the sheer size of the Russian military on one side, and little appetite amongst Georgians to retake the occupied regions by force, a stalemate has developed. Border infrastructure installed by Russian FSB border guards has had a severe impact on free movement between the self-declared states, unrecognised except by Russia and a few of its allies, and Tbilisi-controlled territory.
"I remember seeing Russian tanks on the news during the war in August 2008 which solidified Russia's control over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and I can't explain exactly why, but ever since then I've been interested in these conflicts and the region more generally," said photographer Tom Videlo.
"When the chance appeared to travel somewhere for an extended period to work on a story, and then try to exhibit or publish it at the end, it was an easy choice to head to Georgia. I'm just grateful for the hospitality and assistance I had while there, often from people we would consider to be living in poverty, and who live under the shadow of armed occupation, but are some of the most generous and welcoming people I have met."
The exhibition at the George Crossan Gallery, which is located upstairs in the Inner Market, will be open between 10am and 5pm 20-29 October.
