Untitled 2022

This untitled drawing from July 2022 is by the Ukranian artist Alevtyna Kakhidze, who lives and works in Muzychi, Ukraine. The simple line drawing depicts a figure with text in Ukrainian floating around it. Kakhidze's work often explores themes of identity and the experience of living in Ukraine, particularly since 2014. Here, the text seems to encapsulate the emotional weight of current events. The figure covers its eyes as if to block out the world, while the hand on its heart suggests overwhelming sorrow. The phrases, “I can’t watch any more news” and “I can’t hold onto my heart anymore,” resonate with the exhaustion and grief of living through war. The bottom phrase offers a glimmer of dark humor amidst despair: “It’s good I have two arms, not four or five - you can’t hide.” Kakhidze’s drawing captures a profound sense of weariness, reflecting the ongoing trauma and resilience of the Ukrainian people. It’s a powerful reminder of the personal and emotional dimensions of geopolitical conflict.