Street art in Ukraine

Are you a street art enthusiast and would like to learn more about street art in Ukraine? Do you want to know the main initiators of muralism in this country?

This article will provide you with various information about street art, which is currently flourishing in Ukraine. And as you've probably guessed, it has a close connection to the war that has been raging in the country for a year now.

Art is expressive. In the context of conflicts around the world, some artists use art to share their views, denounce injustices, and give a voice to those who are silenced. It is precisely in this context that street art has recently experienced a surge in popularity in several countries worldwide, in support of Ukraine.

In this article, you will discover:

• Street art in Ukraine and its impact
• The most famous muralists, creators of a masterpiece in Ukraine
• Notable achievements seen around the world related to the war in Ukraine

Once you have read this article, you will understand more clearly why street art has evolved so much in Ukraine lately !

I) Street art in Ukraine: artistic expression at the heart of the country

In recent years, street art has gained prominence in several major cities around the world. But what exactly is it?

1) What is street art in general?

A very popular visual art form for some time now, street art, also called urban art or muralism , is an artistic movement found in public spaces and on the street. This contemporary art takes many forms. It can be expressed as graffiti, yard bombing, stickers, mosaics, ceramic works, video projections, stencil art, light installations, or posters.

You can find them not only on monuments, but also on walls, in parks, or on sidewalks. Even though the legality of this art is often contested, it remains a discipline with undeniable artistic value. Indeed, created by master hands, some urban works are well worth seeing.

Generally, street artists communicate with the public through their work, particularly on current social issues, while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of their creations. And lately, most of the urban artworks seen in the streets focus on the current conflict in Ukraine.

2) The specific characteristics of street art in Ukraine

In Ukraine, street art is a means of communication and an integral part of daily life. With the conflicts currently affecting the country, it is through urban art that artists have contributed to expressing their opinions on the Ukrainian situation and supporting the people.

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is among the cities most affected by mural art. Around every corner, on every wall, one can discover countless murals by internationally renowned artists. Festivals, such as the Mural Social Club, and institutions like Art United US, have invited artists from all corners of the globe to create colossal works on several residential towers in Kyiv .

3) The impact of muralism in Ukraine

Street art has had a significant impact on Ukraine's cultural life. It has strengthened the bonds between the country's inhabitants. Works evoking strength and solidarity offer messages of hope to residents. This is particularly timely given the daily struggles Ukrainians are currently facing.

Capable of transcending borders, mural art fosters dialogue between people from all walks of life. It has the advantage of helping us better understand the feelings and perspectives of others. For artists, it's an effective way to share their opinions without fear of censorship.

Indeed, urban art is a form of cultural and artistic expression that allows a point of view to be conveyed without objection and to a very wide audience. It is undeniable that Ukraine remains a cradle of mural art .

II) The street artists who created the works in Ukraine

Many muralists have made headlines with their murals in Ukraine. From Banksy, AEC and Waone to BKFoxx, these artists have clearly mobilized to brighten up the Ukrainian streets, while letting their creativity shine through their murals .

1) Banksy, a very politically engaged graffiti artist

Political activist, street artist, painter, and also director, Banksy is a legendary graffiti artist . Born in the United Kingdom, the Bristol-based artist has left his mark in London, but also in several other locations, including Ukraine.

Even though the media doesn't know his true identity, they still recognize this artist's style. With his rebellious and caricatural street art, he conveys messages with cynical humor. His works are nonetheless original. His stencil technique is unique. It's his way of highlighting fringe opinions.

His involvement in various social events has made him a leading activist. This outspoken figure is known, among other things, for his artworks with poignant social and political commentary. Walls, streets, and bridges are the blank canvases he brings to life through his superb compositions.

A few months ago, Banksy posted one of his latest works on his Instagram account. It was a stencil of an athlete performing a balancing act on the rubble of a building destroyed by bombings initiated during the Russian attack on Ukraine.

2) Alexey Kondakov, a renowned urban artist

Alexey Kondakov is a Ukrainian urban artist whose renown has crossed borders. His distinctive style lies in his way of combining figures from ancient murals with modern photographs. He creates his works using digital collage techniques and Photoshop.

Among this artist's most famous works are the nymph "walking the streets" at the metro entrance, and the Virgin Mary emerging from the painting "The Song of the Angels" in the metro. But his most popular work is probably the "Heads Up Project," which was originally created for the women of Kyiv.

Thanks to a perfect mastery of his art, the artist has been able to present undeniably realistic works. By adding a few touches and placing the character in an appropriate setting, the result is impressive, with a truly innovative visual style.

3) AEC and Waone: founders of Interesni Kazki

AEC, or Aleksei Bordusov, and Waone, or Vladimir Manzhos, are a renowned Ukrainian muralist duo, better known as Interesni Kazki. These two collaborators developed their work using classic graffiti forms . Artists with big hearts, AEC and Waone combined their skills to advocate for the Ukrainian people.

On the one hand, AEC shines with his surrealist works scattered throughout the world. His intriguing murals are richly colored and are most often accompanied by black and white sketches. He draws his inspiration primarily from mythology, science, and cosmology. The result is stunning!

On the other hand, you have Waone, a prodigy of urban art and a pioneer of graffiti art in some Eastern European countries, along with his partner AEC. The duo has created murals in Ukraine, Russia , and other countries.

III) Street art in Ukraine and around the world

In support of Ukraine against the Russian offensive, numerous street art projects have emerged in many countries. From Kyiv to Paris, via Barcelona, ​​Moscow, and Lviv, street artists have been busy leaving their mark through splendid murals.

1) Banksy's stencils in Ukraine

Working incognito, never revealing his identity, Banksy nevertheless admitted to being the initiator of numerous street art pieces, notably in Irpin and Borodianka , neighborhoods located in Ukraine's capital. The most enigmatic street artist has struck again. As previously mentioned, he produced a stencil depicting a gymnast on a ruined building.

Banksy also created a sketch of a woman in Irpin, dancing while holding a ribbon. Another notable work is the mural depicting a boy wrestling a judoka. This mural appears to be a reference to Vladimir Putin , who practices judo.

Banksy could also be the artist behind the artwork in the town of Gorenka. It depicts a bearded man sitting in a bathtub. The painting of a woman wearing a gas mask and holding a fire extinguisher could also be by this artist. This work was discovered in Hostomel. Through his art, Banksy underscores his commitment to peace in Ukraine .

2) Some remarkable works across Ukraine

Aside from the murals by the renowned Banksy, other works are also noteworthy. We'll begin this list with the mural "The Berhynia," which depicts a goddess from Slavic mythology. It refers to a Ukrainian woman striving to protect her country and ensure peace. The painting also features sunflowers, a symbol of the country.

Ukrainian street artist Alex Maksimov also contributed by creating another mural on Ivana Franka Street in Ukraine, titled "Freedom." It depicts a bird hanging upside down, clutching a lightbulb in its talons. This artwork was created as part of the "Art United Us" project, an international initiative aimed at raising public awareness about violence and war. The project was specifically launched in response to the war that struck eastern Ukraine in 2014.

Also as part of the "Art United Us " project, Sergey Ratkovich created "Fragments of Hope." This work depicts hands breaking a sword, illustrating the desire to end violence and war and establish peace in the country. Another notable mural from the same project is "Rise Up in the Dirt" by BKFoxx, in Kyiv.

3) Street art for Ukraine in several countries around the world

Muralists from diverse backgrounds have painted murals in various cities around the world to show their support for Ukraine. This is the case with Parvati, who created a collage visible on the streets of Paris, featuring a Ukrainian refugee. In a street in the ^13th arrondissement of the French capital, you can also see a work by the artist Seth, depicting a young girl participating in a peace march.

These are some of the works produced by renowned artists to encourage and defend Ukraine. Besides these, we can mention the street art of Bust in Switzerland, Tony Tuang Long in Spain, Seileise in Germany, Sef in the United States, MyDogsSighs in the United Kingdom, and many others.

As you have seen, street art currently occupies a prominent place in Ukrainian culture. A highly communicative art form, muralism has allowed a large number of artists to express themselves regarding the current situation in Ukraine.

You now know that street art is a legitimate art form, one that muralists have successfully brought to the forefront, particularly in Ukraine. From Banksy to BKFoxx, and including Vhils, AEC, and Waone, street artists are increasingly adorning Ukrainian cities with their magnificent urban murals . If you would like to find more information or images of street art and other contemporary or historical artworks, please visit our website.

To thank you for making it this far, enjoy a 15% discount on your order today with the promo code: BLOG15 .

See you soon.

The Lofty Trend Team.