Born in 1951 in Tbilisi, the capitol of the Georgian Federation, Princess Ketevan “Ketino” Maglakelidze was born to a royal family in the Caucasian Mountains. From a long line of distinguished, regal, and educated women, it was natural that Maglakelidze studied music, dance, history, literature, and art. Of her own accord, the young girl wrote poems and plays, sculpted, and composed music. Her talent as a musician was so prodigious that her grandmother insisted that she continue her studies after graduating from the Tbilisi State Musical School for especially gifted children. Maglakelidze, however, found her true passion in painting, particularly inspired by Velasquez. She spent hours trying to duplicate his style, lighting and brushstrokes, while striving to develop her own talents and styles. Her work led to her acceptance to the Tbilisi State Art Academy, even without any prior formal training in art – the only student in the school’s history without art lessons or education.

After graduating from the Academy, Maglakelidze designed sets for the State Marionette Theatre of Georgia, as well as designing icons for many Greek Orthodox churches and projects in popular music. In 1987, she held her first solo exhibition and two years later dedicated herself to the world and profession of fine art for good. Since then, she has received acclaim and honors from around the world.

Maglakelidze describes her process as very natural and fluid, explaining that every color has a sound, and while painting, she hears those sounds, and knows exactly when the melody is false, and when the symphony is accomplished. “When I see a painting, I hear it as well. And sometimes it sounds like a symphony, and sometimes like cacophony. Color makes sound. This was known since Plato wrote about it in his book ‘Timeos.’ I write music and I paint paintings. When I create paintings, they sing inside of me. When I create songs, I see it in front of my eyes.”