Untitled 2022

This poignant drawing by Alevtyna Kakhidze depicts two figures clad in riot gear, shields raised, evoking a sense of confrontation and suppression. Above them, words in red declare "Years of depriving Berkut of will", followed by the names Viktor Eismont and Volodymyr Mohov, with 'guilty' and 'not guilty' written in red under each name respectively. The image, with its stark lines and contrasting colors, resonates with historical echoes. The shield, a symbol of defense, simultaneously represents aggression when wielded by forces of order. Consider how shields have appeared throughout history, from ancient Greek hoplites to medieval knights, always embodying protection but also the potential for conflict. Here, the shield-bearing figures remind us of those historical images, yet their faceless anonymity speaks to a modern context of state power and control. This collective memory, embedded in visual symbols, engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, reflecting our shared understanding of authority and resistance. The motif of the shield, in this instance, carries a heavy emotional charge, one that has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings throughout the ages.