Untitled. Srawberry Andreevna 2017

Alevtyna Kakhidze made this drawing with pen on paper; the simple materials and even simpler marks work together to create a powerful image. The directness of the line is notable here. It’s not about skillful illusionism, but about the immediate, unmediated transfer of an idea onto paper. It's the most basic type of image making, one almost anyone can do. The choice of these materials is significant, because Kakhidze is interested in the democratization of art. She often works in ways that bypass established hierarchies of skill and training, making art that is accessible and immediate. This relates to issues of labor. Kakhidze foregrounds the act of making, stripping it bare and demystifying it. You don’t need fancy tools, expensive materials, or years of training. All you need is an idea, a pen, and a piece of paper. This unassuming drawing challenges traditional notions of fine art, emphasizing that it is the intention and idea behind the artwork that truly matters.