Georgian Churches and Modernism: Coloring Books by MARKA

Contents:

• Meanings: Heritage and Working with an Object
• From Idea to Product: How the Coloring Books Came Out
• First Results and Plans

Meanings: heritage and working with the object

MARKA is focused on the promotion and research of cultural and natural heritage. The organization focuses on both officially recognized heritage sites, such as those on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and those that lack legal status but play a significant role in local communities. The coloring books created by the bureau's team have become an effective tool for drawing attention to significant sites in Georgia, including medieval churches and modernist architecture. Such initiatives help raise awareness of the cultural value of these sites and their preservation for future generations.

The value of modernist architecture is sometimes The style is undervalued, leading to the destruction of unique objects. Most buildings in this style lack protected status, making them vulnerable to demolition. However, there are exceptions, such as the former Ministry of Highways building, featured on the cover of our coloring book. Preserving modernist architecture is important for cultural heritage and the history of architectural development.

We are currently experiencing a transitional period when awareness of the value of contemporary art objects is becoming especially relevant. It is important to emphasize their significance for culture and society. Our product, dedicated to the modernist coloring book, highlights this theme. High customer demand for it confirms our hypothesis about the growing interest in this art movement and its influence on the perception of modernity.

Elena Lisitsyna is the co-founder of MARKA, a renowned design and architecture firm. Her experience and professionalism contribute to the creation of unique projects that stand out in the market. Under Elena's leadership, MARKA demonstrates high quality standards and an innovative approach to every task. The company's specialization covers a wide range of services, including architectural design, interior design, and brand development consulting. With attention to detail and a deep understanding of client needs, MARKA has established itself as a reliable partner in the implementation of creative and functional solutions. Elena Lisitsyna continues to inspire the team and clients to new achievements in the world of design.

We created coloring books as a unique tool for interacting with cultural heritage, representing a book with a reverse approach. In traditional books, you encounter an abundance of text and only a few illustrations. In our project, we offer users the opportunity to independently interact with images and objects, which allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural values.

Elena Makarova is an architect at MARKA. Specializing in contemporary architectural solutions, she makes a significant contribution to projects that are distinguished by an innovative approach and high quality execution. Elena harmoniously combines functionality and aesthetics, creating unique spaces that meet the needs of modern users. Elena Makarova's architectural ideas reflect trends in sustainable development and modern construction technologies, making her projects not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly.

The key advantage of this format is that the person painting cultural heritage sites has the opportunity to become a co-author of the project. This interaction not only enriches the artistic process but also creates a unique connection between the participant and the cultural heritage. This approach allows for the preservation and reinterpretation of values, introducing new elements to traditional art forms.

Maria Mizernitskaya is a talented illustrator known for her unique style and mastery of visual content. Her work attracts attention thanks to its vibrant colors and original ideas. Maria actively collaborates with various publishing houses, creating illustrations for books, magazines, and advertising materials. Thanks to her creative approach and attention to detail, she successfully conveys emotions and atmosphere through her illustrations. Her portfolio includes a diverse range of projects that demonstrate not only technical skills but also a deep understanding of visual art. Maria Mizernitskaya continues to inspire her viewers and clients, creating original works that remain memorable.

From idea to product: how the coloring books turned out

There were no clear references during the creation of the coloring books. The main requirements were to use minimalist technical drawings and a consistent style for both publications. Elena Makarova designed one edition, and Maria Mizernitskaya designed the other.

The covers and design style for the coloring books were created by Elena Makarova. The main goal was to develop a design that would be recognizable across the bureau's various products. The key design principle was simplicity—the absence of unnecessary elements, so that nothing distracts attention from the main objects. This approach ensures a harmonious perception and promotes better comprehension of the content.

During the design development process, we conducted several iterations and came to the conclusion that the cover should clearly demonstrate that it is a coloring book. We decided to use an uncolored, recognizable object in the center of the composition to create a visual semantic effect. For the background, we chose a solid color fill, avoiding complex patterns and visual noise, which allows us to focus attention on the main element. This approach makes the cover more attractive and understandable to the target audience.

Elena Makarova is a successful specialist in her field. She possesses unique skills and significant experience, making her a sought-after expert. Elena actively shares her knowledge through articles and publications, as well as conducts master classes and seminars. Her professionalism and dedication inspire the trust of clients and colleagues. Elena Makarova continues to develop, implementing new approaches and technologies in her work, which contributes to her growth and success in her professional career.

The coloring books feature a limited amount of text: just one introductory article and brief information blocks containing the name of the building, the names of the architects, the construction date, and the coordinates. The font is minimalist and discreet, presented in the Din style. The main visual accent on each spread is a graphic image of the building, which attracts attention and complements the overall concept. Building content this way allows us to focus on the visual perception of architecture and its aesthetic features.

Each spread features a QR code that links to an article about the corresponding object on the bureau's website. It provides full information about its construction history, architectural features, and connections to other famous projects. You can also learn about the building's fate: some were reconstructed, others were abandoned, and some disappeared altogether. The MARKA bureau project aims to document and preserve these objects in memory.

Each coloring book contains ten illustrations representing the diversity of churches and architecture in Georgia. The authors admit that the selection was subjective, but also justified. The coloring book with churches includes objects demonstrating various styles of church construction and unique elements such as bas-reliefs and frescoes. The selection of modernist buildings includes iconic structures that stand out against the architectural backdrop of the country. These illustrations not only delight with their artistic execution but also help deepen understanding of Georgia's rich cultural heritage, making each coloring book a valuable resource for art and architecture lovers.

When I started creating illustrations of temples, I realized the need to develop a specific design of lines, their thickness and perspective. It was important to think about how the illustrations would look when printed, so that the coloring process would be comfortable. We have developed a comprehensive methodology that will allow us to use this approach to create other products and scale our experience.

Elena Makarova is an experienced specialist in her field, possessing deep knowledge and skills. She is actively developing her professional competencies and strives for continuous learning. Elena participates in various projects, where she applies her skills to achieve high results and solve complex problems. Her professional reputation is based on reliability and efficiency in her work.

Elena Makarova also actively shares her knowledge with colleagues and young specialists, which contributes to the creation of a productive atmosphere within the team. Thanks to her experience and approach to work, she makes a significant contribution to the success of the project.

Elena strives for self-improvement and monitors the latest trends in her field, which allows her to remain competitive in the market. Her professional achievements confirm her high level of qualifications and dedication.

During the negotiation stage, I got the impression that the work would take only a couple of weeks. The first objects I worked on were the houses on Nutsubidze Street. Initially, I created a simple version of the window using a copy, but then I studied photographs of the building more closely. This made me realize that the process required a different approach. I told my colleagues that it looked like it would take me two weeks just to complete the work on the houses on Nutsubidze.

In each of these windows, I noticed a reflection of everyday life and the creative approach people take to organizing their spaces. I realized that each window deserves a little love and warmth. Such attention to detail makes the atmosphere of the home more cozy and unique. Every element of the interior, every detail, tells its own story, creating a unique atmosphere where comfort and aesthetics are intertwined.

Maria Mizernitskaya is a name that has become known in various fields. She possesses unique talents and achievements that attract public attention. Maria is actively involved in cultural and artistic projects, as well as social initiatives. Her work inspires many and serves as a role model. It's important to note that Maria Mizernitskaya also actively utilizes digital platforms to promote her ideas and projects. This allows her to expand her audience and share her views with more people. Her contribution to the development of modern society is invaluable, and she continues to work on new initiatives aimed at improving the lives of others.

Masha did a tremendous job researching how people changed and adapted their windows. In the original version, they were inverted arches, but many people filled them in, some modernized them, and others completely bricked them up. This revealed that windows are not just elements of a panel house, but unique objects with their own history and character.

Elena Lisitsyna is an experienced specialist in her field, possessing deep knowledge and skills. Her extensive experience allows her to effectively solve problems and achieve her goals. Elena actively engages in professional development, participating in seminars and courses, which contributes to her continuous growth and expansion of her competencies. Her approach to work is based on high quality standards and a commitment to excellence. Elena also actively shares her knowledge with colleagues, which helps create a productive and inspiring work atmosphere.

First Results and Plans

At the end of 2024, the project team released the first print run of 300 coloring books. These coloring books are available for purchase in independent bookstores in Tbilisi, as well as through the MARKA bureau's social media.

Some buyers perceive the coloring books as a guide to Georgia, since the authors have indicated the coordinates of objects next to the illustrations. These publications can also serve as souvenirs, as they depict iconic places and unique sights of the country.

The project has been deemed a success, and the main buyers of the coloring books are young and middle-aged people. MARKA bureau plans to implement new projects dedicated to the heritage of Georgia and Armenia, as well as to develop its website. Our immediate plans include translating texts about Georgian landmarks into Georgian and creating audio versions, allowing users to simultaneously color and listen to information about the region's cultural characteristics.

Elena Makarova is the co-founder of MARKA and an architect specializing in heritage. She also illustrates coloring books dedicated to medieval churches. Her work reflects a deep understanding of architectural history and cultural heritage, allowing her to create unique and informative materials for a wide audience.

Elena Lisitsyna is the co-founder of MARKA and a professional historian. She also actively writes for a website dedicated to coloring books. Her work at MARKA involves creating unique concepts and developing strategies that effectively combine historical knowledge with contemporary trends in design and art.

Maria Mizernitskaya is a professional graphic designer and illustrator specializing in creating coloring books inspired by modernist architecture. Her works are distinguished by their unique style and attention to detail, attracting art and architecture enthusiasts. In each coloring page, Maria conveys the spirit of modernism, combining aesthetic sensitivity and creativity. Her projects are not only pleasing to the eye, but also offer viewers the opportunity to deeply understand and appreciate architectural forms and lines.