One Eye

Created in 2019, this mural was a response to the violent dispersal of the anti-occupation protests of 20-21 June 2019 in Tbilisi. Depicting a young woman with one eye, the artwork is dedicated to 18-year-old Mako Gomuri, who lost her eye after being hit by a police rubber bullet and became a symbol of the protest movement.

The 20 June protests were sparked by Russian MP Sergey Gavrilov taking the parliamentary speaker’s seat during a session in the Georgian Parliament. Thousands gathered in front of the Parliament to protest against Russian influence and occupation.

After some demonstrators attempted to enter the building, riot police dispersed the crowd using rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons. Around 240 people were hospitalized, including 80 police officers. Two protesters lost an eye, and more than 30 journalists were injured.