zlo – ukrainian “зло” (evil)

Researching forms and contemporary stylistic solutions of the Ukrainian trident reflect Ukraine today as a modern, digital state. The trident, in this case, is an object of interpretation, a symbol of a young, diverse country striving for development and freedom.

Every page has its small reflection on the things we tend to overlook during the war. In fact, it is truly difficult to see and enjoy daily things through the lens of war, while there are constant blackouts, bombings, and sirens.

That is why I wanted to create reminders for every month and rediscover some things not only for myself but for my friends too. Such things as looking up to the sky, gifting flowers, and being tender are small yet almost unreachable.

Reflection on events happening around us. The “celebration” of familiar holidays has changed its appearance and significance in the context of a harsh war in which the country and its entire population find themselves 24/7. There is a total reassessment of values, and a change of symbols, such as the New Year tree being replaced by a more relevant and practical attribute in the context of war – an anti-tank hedgehog, and a champagne bottle being replaced by a military projectile.

Ukrainian embroidery weaves a timeless tapestry of narratives and reservoirs of vitality, now echoing a fresh saga – a relentless battle for freedom.

I guess I hadn’t done any type with such love, enthusiasm, and accuracy as this UKRAINE lettering! Tried to relay it through my beliefs about all Ukrainian. Blooming, playful, worthy and glorious. Referring to Ukrainian art nouveau architecture which adorns our history and our cities and which is under attack today. I believe the Ukrainian society will become even stronger and more independent, emphasizing its authenticity and originality, we will rebuild what is physically destroyed.

On Ukraine’s official Instagram, we’ve conjured documentary fairy tales, inspired by real-life foreign volunteers aiding during the war in Ukraine. It’s a unique blend of storytelling and illustrations, spotlighting the enduring spirit of resilience. As Ilia Anufrienko, the founder of the agency, says: “We wanted to tell about small and large deeds of real, not fictional, heroes. It’s a way to say ‘thank you’ – through stories about them.”

Some time ago it was impossible to draw anything, but war. It’s hard to describe that feeling of constant pain and anger, while seeing all the videos with destroyed buildings, knowing that people you love are in danger. It makes you feel numb. It led to the point, where you could not draw anything. So here are late office sketches, made some Friday for reconnecting with an inner self and putting all the love to women and sisterhood in something visible.

In partnership with the Ukrainian Leadership Academy and Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we crafted “Crime Without Punishment”, a 50-kilogram, 6,000-page book about Russia’s chilling crimes. Presented to global entities like NATO and the European Parliament, it highlights illicit deportation and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.

The island of Khortytsia is where Ukrainian history was born, an island of centuries-old history, amazing nature, and breathtaking secrets, myths and legends that have been forgotten for many years. We accepted the challenge to tell everyone about all the reasons to visit Khortytsia but decided to say practically not a word, leaving the mystery of the island intact and, moreover, making it the key feature of the identity program.

This project is a series of three prints, designed in support of the LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine. The shirt’s design is a Pride-themed interpretation of a Ukrainian “rushnyk” – or woven towel.
Traditionally used for ceremonial purposes like weddings, the “rushnyk” represents love, prosperity and patriotism. In this queer version, Pride and Trans flags are accompanied by the depiction of a queer couple holding hands.

Three figures. Hope(blue) Fear(pink) and Help (green).
Help is depicted by a green dog, symbolizing Pes Patron, the famous mine-detection Ukrainian doggo that became a popular meme and featured
in songs, cartoons, games, etc.
Also, there is a yellow star, which may look as 1. explosion, or 2. light at the end of a tunnel. It depends on who interacts with it: the figure representing Fear(pink) or Hope(blue)

The illustration depicts the victory of Ukraine over the Soviet regime and the establishment of its own identity and independence in 1991. Unfortunately, the struggle still continues, due to Russian aggression in 2022, Ukraine regains its independence from imperial Russia.

The illustration depicts a tragic event: a young Ukrainian soldier with the fear that his young life may end in the war for his native land due to Russian aggression.

The illustration is dedicated to my friend Bohdan, who defends Ukraine from Russian aggression as part of the Ukrainian special forces. I am grateful to him for his courage and love for his native land.

The illustration is dedicated to freedom-loving Ukraine, which is depicted in the work as a woman from the Independence Monument

The illustration is dedicated to my boyfriend, who protects Ukraine from Russian aggression as part of a special unit with the rank of soldier. I am grateful to him for his courage and love for his homeland.

Або пан або пропав – is a widespread Ukrainian proverb which means “it’s all or nothing”. A mirrored proverb on the right aims to show a thin line between the two states of luck and misfortune, the states of wealth and poverty and the possibility of swift change between them.

this is a digital work from the series “People. Digitization” – a series of portraits that was started in August 2022.
self-portrait of an artist from a country at war. it’s about the duality of my life in connection with the situation in the country, about the anxiety and dark thoughts that have become my constant companions, about my frequent departures when my thoughts are with my family, and my body is somewhere in another city.

T-shirt design for streetwear clothing brand Socially Unacceptable.
Drop name: Modern Religion 2053
Year: 2023

Fight, 2022-2023
ceramic plate, porcelain marker, gold
diameter 21 cm

When Zeus decided to take Leda, he didn’t need her consent. I want to appeal to Europe: don’t be careless! Let’s stop evil together! Let’s not allow this nightmare become a reality.
Mariko Gelman’s ceramic plates illustrates that the price of freedom is to be torn apart, and then to be welded together forever with a golden vein.

Exhibitions: “3 days of design” festival, Copenhagen, Denmark (2022)