Untitled 2022

This artwork by Alevtyna Kakhidze is made with ink and colored pencil on paper. I imagine that the work came into being through a stream of consciousness where free-association and feelings about the war in Ukraine take shape with a naked figure standing on a weighing scale. I can relate to the artist's feeling that her weight has decreased due to her hatred for the Russian invasion and her attempt to replace the word “Russians” with "Putin." In the lower part of the sheet, the words “Putin,” “Putin’s Russians,” Putin’s military,” are written in a circle, almost like a mantra. The artist has also added: “Russians already dead in Ukraine,” “Anti-Putin Russians also in jail,” and “Russians who are supporters of Ukraine”. It reminds me of other artists who use drawing to explore their thoughts and emotions. Her work reminds me of the work of Faith Ringgold, who also used text and image to tell stories about her life and her experiences. It is exciting to see contemporary artists responding to current events. It shows how art can be a powerful tool for social commentary and change.