Untitled 2022

Editor: So, here we have Alevtyna Kakhidze's "Untitled," a pen and marker drawing from 2022. There's something unsettling about the simple lines and the direct text in the drawing, it almost feels like a political cartoon. What do you make of this piece, particularly considering the cultural context? Curator: It's important to view this drawing in light of contemporary socio-political events, specifically the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Kakhidze, a Ukrainian artist, is using art as a form of commentary. The text translates roughly to “Don’t know what to do with Putin? Show him the real news! It will kill him…” followed by "...will kill." How do you think the artist uses visual language and symbolism to convey this message so starkly? Editor: I notice the traditional samovar, a symbol of Russian culture, juxtaposed with what looks like a retro television. And the man, seemingly undisturbed by what he is viewing or the implications of the message, brings tea. The old and new are intertwined with the brutal message about political power. The casual, almost mundane setting amplifies the impact, don’t you think? Curator: Precisely. The artist creates a dissonance. She’s utilizing a very accessible style. The childish simplicity contrasts with the grim reality she's addressing. What do you think the role of art is in times of conflict, especially when it comes to representing political figures? Editor: It becomes a powerful form of protest, I suppose, capable of reaching a broader audience with a raw, unfiltered message. It can humanize victims, and, in this case, potentially dehumanize the political leadership being targeted, if not literally at least ideologically. I definitely have a different perspective after discussing the political implications of Kakhidze’s drawing. Curator: Indeed, art becomes a mirror reflecting and refracting societal anxieties, a space where dissent is visualized and voiced. I hadn't considered how its blunt delivery made its purpose so obvious. Thanks for highlighting this piece!