David Kelber
David Kelber (David Kelberashvili) is a Georgian painter from Tbilisi based in Berlin, Germany. Although he has not been active in Georgia for several years, he has significantly contributed to the country’s street art scene.
His characters are among the most endearing figures to be found in street art. He addresses themes such as environmental pollution and gender issues. Marked by a distinctive sense of tenderness and melancholy, his characters evoke both empathy and reflection.
One of his most significant creations is the Kinto Dancer, depicted, among other places, in a mural in Berlin. The Kintos were traders from the lower social classes of 19th-century Tbilisi, widely known for their unconventional lifestyle. The Kinto dance is one of Georgia's most popular traditional dances. Portraying this iconic figure holding a rainbow flag was a particularly provocative artistic statement.
I’m a queer artist, born and raised in Tbilisi, Georgia. I graduated from the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts, Faculty of Graphic Design, but my true passion has always been creating art. Since childhood, I felt different from the other kids - I found freedom in painting, a space where I could fully express myself. Growing up in a religious family, in a country where homophobia is still deeply rooted, I couldn’t openly embrace or express my identity as a queer artist. That struggle eventually led me to leave Georgia - a decision that was far from easy. Now, having started a new life, I finally feel free: free to express myself, free to live authentically, and free to create art that speaks my truth. My inspiration comes from queer people and their stories—their resilience, struggles, and beauty.
Portrait on the Artist's Website
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David Kelber (David Kelberashvili) ist ein georgischer Maler aus Tbilissi mit Sitz in Berlin, Deutschland. Obwohl er seit einigen Jahren nicht mehr in Georgien aktiv ist, hat er die Street Art Szene des Landes maßgeblich bereichert.
Seine Figuren zählen zu dem liebenswertesten, was man in der Straßenkunst finden kann. Themen sind Umweltverschmutzung und Gender Fragen. Seine Charaktere sind von einer besonderen Zartheit und Melancholie.
Zu seinen wichtigsten Schöpfungen zählt die Figur des Kinto Tänzers, u.a. als Mural in Berlin. Die Kinto waren Händler aus der Unterschicht im Tiflis des 19. Jahrhunderts, allgemein bekannt für ihre unkonventionelle Lebensweise. Einer der bekanntesten georgischen Nationaltänze ist der Tanz der Kinto. Umso provokanter war es, ihn mit der Regenbogenflagge darzustellen.
