Zakaria Chelidze was born in the town of Ozurgeti, Georgia. Growing up in a military family meant frequent moves and changing schools, but these constant changes only strengthened his connection to art. Although he chose to study Law, Zakaria spent most of his days around the Academy of Art, knowing deep down that creativity would shape his future.

 

At just 19, he dedicated his time to supporting children from socially vulnerable backgrounds. A few years later, he moved to the United States, where he spent four years developing his craft and capturing portraits of well-known figures.

 

Today, Zakaria’s photographs have been shown in galleries across Germany, Georgia, and the Netherlands. He has received numerous international photography awards, including being named a winner in the World Bank’s prestigious “End Poverty” Photo Contest.

 

His first inspiration came from his own search for calm in the midst of stress, a quest that continues to drive his work today. Zakaria’s photography is an attempt to freeze genuine human feelings — moments of joy, love, peace, and hope — wherever he finds them. He is especially drawn to black and white photography, convinced that these tones reveal emotions in their purest and most sincere form.

 

Zakaria is now based in New York City, where he continues his work as a photographer and proudly represents Fuji as an official ambassador.