Untitled 2022

Editor: We’re looking at Alevtyna Kakhidze’s “Untitled” drawing from 2022, made with pen and ink. It's a simple, almost cartoonish style, but it hits you with a powerful message about the war in Ukraine. What stands out to you when you look at this piece? Curator: This drawing operates as a powerful piece of political commentary, directly addressing the Russo-Ukrainian War and, more broadly, geopolitical tensions. The seemingly naive style, reminiscent of comic art, belies a sophisticated understanding of power dynamics. Notice the demonstrator juxtaposed with the figures "at the table," the location being so specific. Editor: I see that the demonstrator's sign calls out the USA and Russia. Curator: Precisely. It critiques not just Russia's aggression, but also implicates the West and questions its role. Who benefits from this conflict, and at whose expense? Kakhidze compels us to confront uncomfortable questions about complicity and inaction and the academic based in Russia. Where do we see their moral responsibility falling in this context? Editor: So, the stark contrast between the straightforward style and the complex issues makes the message even stronger? Curator: Exactly. It democratizes the discourse. It invites everyone to participate in this urgent conversation. And it prompts further interrogation: How do those in power leverage academia, and how do we, as viewers, perpetuate or challenge these dynamics? How can we ensure all voices, especially Ukrainian ones, are not only heard, but central? Editor: That's fascinating. I initially saw the simplicity, but now I see the layers of critique and questions it raises. Thanks, this really shifted my perspective! Curator: It’s a piece that stays with you, demanding ongoing reflection and action. The intersection of art and activism – a call to responsibility.