Alexander Vasilyevich Ahanov graduated from the Krasnoselsky College of Metalwork in 1980. He worked at a jewelry factory for the next three years, after which he began trying his hand in various forms of art: painting, graphics, photography, furniture and interior design, and others.

The artist regularly experimented with various materials and actively used many artistic methods and techniques. Ahanov noted:

Alexander Akhanov managed to develop his own unique style. His works became original and distinct.

In the 21st century, art has become global. It expanded its boundaries and began to intersect with the outside world increasingly. It did not limit itself to the choice of materials and visual means. Art objects are designed to evoke various emotional reactions in the viewer, make them think, and see mundane objects in a different light. An art object can be odd, but at the same time creative and unusual. The artist’s imagination and skill allow them to create art objects using any items and materials.

To create the “Book of Voyages in Two Volumes”, Alexander Ahanov used many objects. He took a pair of old shoes as an essential attribute of travel. To the outside of each boot he glued various accessories that can be useful during wanderings or things that are associated with travels.

Among them is a compass, a mini-globe, feathers, springs, a spout from a metal teapot, small fragments of branches, and a tool case. The shoes are tightly packed on the inside with rolled up old newspapers, including those in Georgian. Fragments of magazine pages symbolize the information people receive during their travels and commutes.