Untitled 2022

Editor: So, here we have an untitled drawing by Alevtyna Kakhidze, created in 2022. It’s a simple line drawing, almost like a political cartoon, referencing the Russian-Ukrainian war and figures like Elon Musk and the Dalai Lama. The mood feels a bit surreal, mixing serious current events with a childlike drawing style. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The juxtaposition is striking. It employs contemporary figures and technologies – Musk, Starlink, Airbnb – framing them within the age-old conflict and the contemplative presence of the Dalai Lama. Note the carefully placed words – "Ukraine's Internet access," "billionaire," "Russian tanks," and "war is outdated" – acting like mantras. This combination almost creates a modern-day icon. The artist is invoking a visual shorthand, instantly recognizable cultural touchstones imbued with layers of meaning. Editor: I see what you mean. It's almost as if the artist is turning current events into a new kind of mythology. Curator: Precisely. Do you find the drawing style enhances or diminishes the seriousness of the subject matter? Editor: I think it enhances it, in a way. The childlike style almost disarms you, making the message more accessible. Curator: Indeed. This "cartoonish" simplicity cuts through the noise, inviting reflection rather than fueling further polarization. The symbols are chosen deliberately. What are the immediate associations, say, with a "billionaire"? Editor: Power, innovation… also maybe detachment from the real world? Curator: Perhaps. And the Dalai Lama? Editor: Wisdom, peace…a sense of timelessness. Curator: Kakhidze juxtaposes power with peace, technology with tradition, in a time of conflict, forming a powerful cultural statement. Editor: I’ve definitely gained a new appreciation for how simple images can carry such complex meaning. Curator: As an icon, this piece makes us think about history, values, and memory, which shift over time but continuously resurface and repeat. It provokes conversations and keeps culture moving.