iolio (ex didomik)
tbilisi, georgia
2022-2025
the iolio (ex didomik) project was born from the idea of transforming an abandoned home into a safe environment for communication and community building. since its opening in april 2022, it has hosted events and provided short-term rentals for travelers in tbilisi, georgia. located on a historical wall between the old and new towns, the house bridges past and future, exploring the concept of home as an abstract space that captures the fragility of the moment and the uncertainty of the future. created within the context of an immigrant lifestyle, iolio reflects how home transforms into an idea, balancing presence and impermanence.
during its renovation, the artist and the team focused on preserving the house’s authentic character, turning its imperfections into an integral part of the design. this process emphasized a sense of temporariness and incompleteness, creating the impression of a continual beginning. such an approach highlights the transient nature of home as a concept shaped by time, stories, and memories, blurring the boundaries between stability and impermanence. the renovation became a metaphor for the evolution of spaces and identities, reflecting home as fragile and ever-changing.
at its core, iolio explores home as both a refuge and a memory, an invisible thread connecting distant places. the project reflects the act of leaving behind physical structures while carrying fragments of identity and memory. it manifests a fragile bond that evolves yet remains vulnerable, mirroring the universal experience of rebuilding a sense of belonging.
iolio exists not just through its walls but through the connections it fosters. once a transitional space, it has now become a temporary home – a place where people find stability and warmth. mutual contributions and creative exchanges shape its essence. each visitor adds a layer to its story. through its digital form, iolio transcends the physical, evolving into a concept of ‘home’ that travels with those who engage with it.