Untitled 2022

This untitled drawing is by Alevtyna Kakhidze, an artist born in Ukraine in 1973. In this piece, stark black lines capture a suited figure, perhaps a museum director, surrounded by dynamic red outlines of what might be dancers. Kakhidze's work often grapples with issues of identity and cultural dialogue, deeply rooted in the complex relationship between Ukraine and Russia, particularly following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Russian text within the artwork suggests a conversation, possibly a critique, about cultural ownership and artistic influence. The reference to the "Russian flag over the Bois de Boulogne" evokes questions of cultural dominance, challenging traditional narratives and power structures. The handwritten quality of the text combined with the raw, expressive lines of the figures create an emotional tension. The artist engages with themes of cultural identity, raising questions about who shapes history and whose voices are heard.