“Not I,” a solo exhibition by Nino Sakandelidze (b. 1985, Tbilisi), delves into themes of memory, meaning, and the transformation of found objects. Sakandelidze’s practice resembles a form of archaeology, involving the collection of objects and exploring the questions that arise when they are removed from their original environment and placed in a new context. Drawing inspiration from Samuel Beckett’s play Not I, the artist addresses the emotional weight carried by these displaced items. Beckett’s exploration of a woman’s epiphany through speech mirrors Sakandelidze’s exploration of interrelationships, questioning the boundaries between responsibility and indifference.

The exhibition at No Institute features wall-mounted images and three-dimensional works in dialogue with one another. Each sculpture, composed of found materials and compositions, prompts reflection on its previous life and the stories it carries, while the images act as visual extensions of the sculptures.

“Not I” offers an exploration of how objects, language, and relationships interact and challenge our perceptions of accountability and connection. Sakandelidze invites us to reflect on our role in shaping the meaning of the things and people around us, as well as the consequences of removing or disregarding these elements.