Untitled 2022

This untitled work is by Alevtyna Kakhidze. In this work, the artist reflects on the war in Ukraine, Russia's aggression, and the sanctions imposed on Russia. Kakhidze uses a comic-style format to weave together personal and political narratives, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual experiences and broader socio-political events. The artist includes an emotional account of the war's impact, as well as a commentary on the complexities of collective responsibility, shame, and blindness in times of conflict. A key theme is the impact of sanctions on ordinary Russians, alongside the implications for Russian artists like Victoria Lomasko, who had to leave the country. The text suggests a nuanced view of the conflict and challenges simplistic narratives of blame, pointing to how ordinary Russians “cannot flee from sanctions if they decide to leave the country.” The work is a poignant reflection on the human cost of conflict and the importance of empathy and understanding in a world marked by division and violence.