Untitled 2022

Editor: This drawing, "Untitled" by Alevtyna Kakhidze, created in 2022, is deceptively simple. Rendered with ink on paper, it almost looks like a political cartoon. I'm struck by how it manages to convey a sense of urgency with just a few lines and words. How do you interpret this work? Curator: I see a powerful commentary on the language used to disguise violent acts, specifically in the context of the war in Ukraine. The artist critiques the sanitized terms – “special operation,” “peacekeeping” – highlighting the chasm between rhetoric and reality. The directness of the slogans "NO TO WAR", paired with figures protesting, speaks to a raw, unfiltered resistance. Editor: So, the figures holding signs and the stick figures aren’t just decorative? They're active participants in this message? Curator: Absolutely. They represent voices silenced by official narratives. The phrase "Dangerous Doesn't Really Work" coupled with "Safely Not Enough Applied" suggest a critique of ineffective political measures and the human cost of indecision. The artist’s sketchbook style can also be read as an act of defiance, prioritizing immediate expression over polished aesthetics, mirroring the urgency of the subject matter. Editor: It's interesting how the simple drawing style almost amplifies the message, making it more accessible and direct. It cuts through the complexity. Curator: Exactly. Kakhidze uses the language of the everyday to expose power dynamics. The piece compels us to question the role of language in shaping our understanding of conflict and invites reflection on our own complicity, or lack thereof, in the face of violence. Editor: I've learned to appreciate how a seemingly simple sketch can hold layers of social and political commentary. Curator: And hopefully, it encourages us to look critically at the information we consume and the language we use.