Untitled. Srawberry Andreevna 2015

Editor: So, this is "Untitled. Strawberry Andreevna," a 2015 mixed-media drawing by Alevtyna Kakhidze. I find it immediately striking - the raw, almost childlike style juxtaposed with what feels like a heavy, anxious atmosphere. The figure walking away from the green mass. What’s your take on this work? Curator: Well, understanding Kakhidze’s practice is key. Her work frequently engages with the sociopolitical context of Ukraine, particularly the ongoing conflict. The handwritten text surrounding the figure – and that dark, looming shape – speaks volumes about fear and displacement. Do you recognize the script? Editor: I don't, what language is it? Curator: It's Russian. Look at the phrase “if they start shooting, where to?” Consider the historical relationship between Russia and Ukraine and how language itself becomes a site of both connection and conflict. This simple drawing on paper becomes incredibly powerful in its quiet expression of lived experience within that framework. How do museums and the art world impact our reading of politically charged works like this? Editor: It’s interesting how much the context shapes my understanding. At first glance, it just seemed quirky. But knowing it's rooted in a specific political reality, especially regarding fear, hiding and flight really brings a new weight to the piece. So, our reception is completely mediated by historical context? Curator: Precisely. The institution that presents it and the history of socio-political conflict between Russia and Ukraine give an entirely different reading than it may have on its own. It changes the feel from playful to something incredibly sinister and thought-provoking. Editor: I’ll definitely remember to dig deeper into the context surrounding a piece before forming my first opinion. Curator: Me too! Thank you for highlighting the weight this illustration carries beyond its surface appeal.