Untitled 2022

Alevtyna Kakhidze made this text-based work, probably using a marker pen on paper. The beauty of this piece lies in its directness and the tension it creates through simple means. There's a handwritten quality that gives it an intimate feel, like a note passed between friends. The black text is bold, assertive, and the blue feels more like an aside, a whispered comment. That red 'not equal' sign shouts out. The texture of the paper is smooth, almost clinical, which contrasts with the raw, emotional message. Look at how the artist uses line breaks to emphasize certain words. The phrase 'Russian culture' hangs heavy, a concept dissected and questioned by the denial sign beneath. It reminds me of Barbara Kruger, but more personal. This piece invites us to consider identity, culture, and the messy ways they intersect. It's a conversation starter, a quiet but powerful statement.