Akhundova's The Dichotomy of Loneliness is a reminder to how alone we are in a truly vast universe. Planets on the checkerboard imply this huge cosmic game of movement yet none of them are allowed to meet. There is a sense of vacuum and emptiness. The board is warped by gravity and you hope to see the planets collide with one another, but they never will.
In a way, it all feels so familiar. Perhaps due to the pandemic, where many of us are isolated and separated from friends and family. Easily, we can see ourselves on this warped board. We can all feel connected with this painting, no matter how far away we are from another. But with this resonation, you suddenly realise that maybe, we are not as alone as we feel.