Untitled. Srawberry Andreevna 2017

Curator: This is "Untitled. Strawberry Andreevna," an ink drawing on paper created by Alevtyna Kakhidze in 2017. Editor: There's a disarming, almost childlike quality to it, wouldn't you agree? The loose, almost frantic lines sketching out this domestic scene – it’s deceptively simple. Curator: Precisely, the simplicity allows for a deeper exploration of familial relationships and personal narratives. Kakhidze, whose practice often engages with the sociopolitical context of Ukraine, presents what appears to be a family gathering, perhaps a snapshot of daily life. Note the handwritten Cyrillic captions. These likely denote the figures depicted around the table. How do they inform your understanding of the work? Editor: Well, initially, the composition struck me. The figures are all oriented toward the central arrangement of teacups and a vase of flowers, creating a radial symmetry. It gives the scene a contained, intimate feel. The sparseness amplifies the details that do exist: the steam rising from a teacup, the textures achieved with the most minimal marks. Curator: I see those aesthetic observations and wonder about the narratives embedded within that chosen scene and drawing style. What stories do these figures carry? This isn't merely a depiction of people sitting around a table; it's a window into lives shaped by history and perhaps displacement. Is it about community building? Editor: That could be read from the subjects engaging over tea. From a formal perspective, it's captivating how much information Kakhidze communicates with so few lines, establishing dimensionality and light. Consider also the lines denoting gaze and connection – where are they focused and how are they relating? Curator: I agree, that layering creates space for multiple meanings to emerge and offers an intimate perspective that subtly prompts questions about belonging and identity. Editor: Indeed. A seemingly simple sketch then holds much complexity!