Diary sketchbook 2021-2023

by Kristina Shesterova

112 pages

Description

I started this sketchbook in 2021 (one of the drawings is actually from India, from 2019), and at the time I couldn’t have imagined that five years later it – along with two others – would end up in an exhibition. And in Tbilisi, of all places.

This is my first exhibition, and I’m very excited. Honestly, I don’t even know what words to choose.

I’d like to mention a couple of things.

First, please don’t judge too harshly: especially at the beginning, it all looks quite rough – at least to me, as the author. Back then I had far fewer markers (it’s pretty noticeable on some pages), and much less experience. I feel a bit awkward showing it, but otherwise you wouldn’t see the whole journey – where I started and how I progressed.

Second, this sketchbook was originally meant to be a personal diary. The notes were written more for friends who might read it. So I ask for your understanding that some parts of the text are censored. I can’t teach anyone to read thoughts, but if you really try, you might be able to make out a few things from the back side of the pages.

P.S. What ended up being censored:

last names (just in case);
some things I’m not very comfortable talking about;
any mention of one person I used to be close with, but who no longer deserves it;
and in some places, parts of the drawings are covered – simply because the sketchbook spent some time in a shared exhibition space.

Other sketchbooks by Kristina Shesterova