Volodymyr Olshynetskyi
Artist
"This war is for a way of life built on the ideal of freedom from destructive coercion by thugs like Putin. This makes it our war, too." Martin Wolf CBE
Putin’s war crimes include deporting children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia, for which he has been issued an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court. Winning the war and bringing the perpetrators to justice will require not only military hardware, but also the soft power of culture. To this end, Volodymyr Olshynetskyi has produced a remarkable collection of artworks that bears witness to the tragedy of war, shines a light on the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, and inspires us to stand with them no matter what. 50% of the profits aid the humanitarian effort in Ukraine.
Prof Giles Jackson
Curator
VICTORY TO UKRAINE!
Putin has launched a relentless wave of missile and drone attacks to break the national will, unleash a wave of refugees into Europe, and distance Ukraine from the west. Victory for Ukraine will require not only military hardware, but also the soft power of culture. To this end, Volodymyr Olshynetskyi has produced a remarkable collection that bears witness to the tragedy of war, shines a light on the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people, and inspires us to stand with them no matter what.
We hope you enjoy this sneak preview. Our extensive collection of wall art, home goods, stationery and mobile device cases will launch online March 8. 50% of profit to the humanitarian effort in Ukraine. Click SPECIAL OFFER! For free downloads and other perks in the meantime!
Volodymyr Olshynetskyi
Artist
Prof Giles Jackson
Curator
Leopard Petrykivka
“Petrykivka” is a village in east-central Ukraine renowned for its ornamental folk art traditions. In folk belief, Petrykivka paintings of flowers, berries and birds ward off evil spirits and ensure a fruitful, love-filled household. Petrykivka protest art, which featured prominently in the 2013 demonstrations in favour of closer ties to the West and greater democratic freedoms, made a resurgence after Putin’s invasion, and this composition is our contribution to the movement. “Leopard Petrykivka” was inspired by the international FREE THE LEOPARDS campaign that persuaded Germany to supply Ukraine with Leopard tanks, proving once again that the collective power of people is stronger than people in power!
Patron the Great
After years of bloody conflict, as much as 40% of Ukraine is now contaminated with mines, which can be found in rivers, forests and fields, on the roadsides, in hospitals, in residential buildings and playgrounds, and even in children’s toys. Ukraine may be the most mined country in the world, surpassing even Syria and Afghanistan, according to the Mines Advisory Group. But no mine on earth can out-smart the hunting instincts of a Jack Russell Terrier! This composition celebrates “Patron,” the much-loved mascot of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES). Working together with sappers and pyrotechnics, the diminutive Patron has sniffed out hundreds of explosive objects, and was named “Goodwill Dog” by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ukraine. In addition to his mine detection work, he and his owner, Mykhailo Iliev, visit communities to teach children mine safety. Science writer Ed Yong is absolutely right: we underestimate animals to our own detriment.
London Calling
During World War II, the British Broadcasting Corporation began its daily wireless broadcast with the words: “This is London calling…” before delivering the news to millions of people whose very survival was at stake. Inspired by one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, our London Calling is a message of heartfelt solidarity with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in their darkest hour.
From the artist: This work is a symbol of international support for our cause, which is not just a national question. Support is vitally important. It’s the feeling that you are not alone, that there are people who understand the significance of what Ukraine is striving for now—both for Ukraine and the world.
Peace Love NYC
We’re as close to a nuclear showdown as we have ever been since the Cuban Missile Crisis—and the moment must not be lost. It’s at dangerous times that peace-building efforts must begin in earnest. For every menacing threat by a head of state, we need cultural countermeasures at the grassroots. As Simon Schama says, seemingly small actions can exert a force beyond the workaday stuff of politics. Peace Love NYC shows the way!
From the artist: Normal people just want to live and let live. They want to be able to move through the world—whether going to work, meeting a loved one, or just walking down the street–without the fear that it could all suddenly disappear. That is why the world must confront such threats.
Russian Warship
“Russian warship, go fuck yourself” was the last communication made to the Russian missile cruiser Moskva by Roman Hrybov, a border guard defending Snake Island in Ukraine’s territorial waters, and was later commemorated on a postage stamp. One day after the stamp was first issued, the Moskva was critically damaged by a missile strike and sank the following day, enraging the Kremlin. Roman Hrybov was awarded a medal for his courageous action, commemorated in Russian Warship.
From the artist: No matter how great the evil, there are always brave people willing to confront it. If a man stands up to protect what he truly cares about and those he loves, he will have nothing to doubt or fear. Unjust evil brings only destruction, and sooner or later, will feel that destruction upon itself.
Welcome Home
To be “home” means to be grounded, to be oriented, and to be understood. In Ukraine, war has obliterated this sense of order, creating a child protection crisis of extraordinary proportions. We support CO-HATY, a co-housing project for people who have lost their homes due to war. In Ukrainian, HATY means “houses” and COHATY means “to love.”
From the artist: For any family, losing a home means losing everything. The trauma affects everyone, but especially affects children. They deserve a future of hope and possibility. Together we must rebuild their world.
Zelenskyy Rules
Zelenskyy Rules is a tribute to the president of Ukraine, whose undaunted courage, steadfast commitment, and calm in the midst of chaos is an inspiration for us all. “We stand, we fight, and we will win because we are united,” he said in a rousing address to U.S. Congress. “Ukraine, America, and the entire free world.”
From the artist: Within this man you can see great determination and a desire to regain what many people in Ukraine have lost in the war: security, stability, and faith in the future. He is a man who inspires by his example and by his efforts to help others. The world needs credible leadership.
Zelenskyy Rules Paris
For Volodymyr Olshynetskyi, street art is not just a way of life, but also how he has been able to make a living, doing commissioned pieces for clients such as Tencent and Adidas. In this composition, we imagined the city of Paris as our client and after scouting around for possible locations, decided on the entrance to Galeries Lafayette—the city’s most famous luxury retail destination—as the perfect backdrop. Perfect not because it works, but precisely because it doesn’t. Big war is back in fashion. But it’s a luxury that nobody can afford.
From the artist: To Western eyes used to seeing billboards for products, shows and movies in such grand places, Zelenskyy Rules Paris may strike a dissonant chord. But in Ukraine, where everything is tied to the war, this is the new normal. War has achieved what advertisers can only dream of: complete cultural domination. We wish the opposite were true.
Hey Hey Rise Up
On April 8, 2022, Pink Floyd released “Hey Hey Rise Up,” a message of resistance inspired by a street performance of The Red Viburnum in the Meadow by Andriy Khlyvnyuk, lead singer of Boombox. Originally composed by the poet Stepan Charlinsky, this ballad was sung by soldiers defending the Eastern Front during World War I and has since become Ukraine’s unofficial anthem. Andriy’s street performance ends with his flashing a peace sign—the inspiration for this rousing composition. Hey Hey Rise Up!
From the artist: In music, as in art, we often find the missing thoughts and feelings we need in our lives, especially in precarious times. The lyrics of this song inspire us and give us strength and belief that everything will be all right.
Hey Hey Paris
For Volodymyr Olshynetskyi, street art is not just a way of life, but also how he has been able to make a living, doing commissioned pieces for clients such as Tencent and Adidas. In this composition, we imagined the city of Paris as our client and after scouting around for possible locations, decided on the entrance to Galeries Lafayette—the city’s most famous luxury retail destination—as the perfect backdrop. Perfect not because it works, but precisely because it doesn’t. Big war is back in fashion. But it’s a luxury that nobody can afford.
From the artist: To Western eyes used to seeing billboards for products, shows and movies in such grand places, Hey Hey Paris may strike a dissonant chord. But in Ukraine, where everything is tied to the war, this is the new normal. War has achieved what advertisers can only dream of: complete cultural domination. We wish the opposite were true.
Girl vs Missile
Some people attribute Ukrainians’ steely resolve to the bedtime stories they grew up with, which often portray unassuming characters prevailing against all odds. Whatever is thrown at Ukraine, whether insults or missiles, they seem to tie in knots.
From the artist: Courage and fortitude are indeed found in the tales we heard as children. The great begins with the smallest act, and good eventually triumphs over evil. These are simple lessons we carry with us and must be passed down from generation to generation.
Parisian Girl
For Volodymyr Olshynetskyi, street art is not just a way of life, but also how he has been able to make a living, doing commissioned pieces for clients such as Tencent and Adidas. In this composition, we imagined the city of Paris as our client and after scouting around for possible locations, decided on the entrance to Galeries Lafayette—the city’s most famous luxury retail destination—as the perfect backdrop. Perfect not because it works, but precisely because it doesn’t. Big war is back in fashion. But it’s a luxury that nobody can afford.
From the artist: To Western eyes used to seeing billboards for products, shows and movies in such grand places, Parisian Girl may strike a dissonant chord. But in Ukraine, where everything is tied to the war, this is the new normal. War has achieved what advertisers can only dream of: complete cultural domination. We wish the opposite were true.
Boy vs Tank
”War is only a cowardly escape from the problems of peace,” wrote Thomas Mann. In Boy vs Tank, the child rises above the tragic failure of adults to solve recurring problems without resorting to extreme violence, choosing disarmament instead.
From the artist: Children see the world in their own way. There is a simplicity to their views and actions, and a pure mind. War must never be permitted to break that free spirit.
Bach in Paris
For Volodymyr Olshynetskyi, street art is not just a way of life, but also how he has been able to make a living, doing commissioned pieces for clients such as Tencent and Adidas. In this composition, we imagined the city of Paris as our client and after scouting around for possible locations, decided on the entrance to Galeries Lafayette—the city’s most famous luxury retail destination—as the perfect backdrop. Perfect not because it works, but precisely because it doesn’t. Big war is back in fashion. But it’s a luxury that nobody can afford.
From the artist: To Western eyes used to seeing billboards for products, shows and movies in such grand places, Bach in Paris may strike a dissonant chord. But in Ukraine, where everything is tied to the war, this is the new normal. War has achieved what advertisers can only dream of: complete cultural domination. We wish the opposite were true.
Believe in Peace III
Pablo Picasso made the dove a modern symbol of peace when his masterpiece was selected as the emblem for the World Peace Congress in 1949. Believe in Peace conjures a great flight of doves—metaphorically setting the world free of the scourge of war, once and for all.
From the artist: Freedom is a right that everyone in this world deserves, must strive for and defend, and the dove is a beautiful symbol of that freedom. Without it there will be no peace, and no harmony except in nature. We must relearn what it means to fly.
Believe in Peace II (with crane)
Pablo Picasso made the dove a modern symbol of peace when his masterpiece was selected as the emblem for the World Peace Congress in 1949. Believe in Peace conjures a great flight of doves—metaphorically setting the world free of the scourge of war, once and for all. This particular version features the artist at work.
From the artist: A beautiful mural can transform a faceless urban setting into a meaningful and memorable place. We can change our thoughts, conversations, actions, even our destiny through such small symbolic changes. The creative process is charged with this sense of anticipation. I wanted to convey this feeling, if only in imaginary form.
Believe in Peace I
Pablo Picasso made the dove a modern symbol of peace when his masterpiece was selected as the emblem for the World Peace Congress in 1949. Believe in Peace conjures a great flight of doves—metaphorically setting the world free of the scourge of war, once and for all.
From the artist: A beautiful mural can transform a faceless urban setting into a meaningful and memorable place. We can change our thoughts, conversations, actions, even our destiny through such small symbolic changes.
Winter’s Embrace
Winter’s Embrace reveals a hidden truth about the Ukrainian people’s unwavering resilience: the power of consolation. Consolation is about finding solace together, which is universal and as old as humankind. “What we are searching for is how to keep going, how to recover the belief that life is worth living,” says Michael Ignatieff, the historian and political theorist.
From the artist: When times and conditions are difficult, we need others to comfort and help us, whether close relatives and friends or complete strangers. They understand the meaning of hardship and help by sharing warmth and support.
Summer’s Embrace
Summer’s Embrace reveals a hidden truth about the Ukrainian people’s unwavering resilience: the simple power of consolation. Consolation is about finding solace together, which is universal and as old as humankind. “What we are searching for is how to keep going, how to recover the belief that life is worth living,” says Michael Ignatieff, the historian and political theorist.
From the artist: When times and conditions are difficult, we need others to comfort and help us, whether close relatives and friends or complete strangers. They understand the meaning of hardship and help by sharing warmth and support.
Let’s Take the Stairs
Every day, billions of people living in apartment buildings around the world ponder whether to take the elevator or stairs. But in Ukraine, whose residential districts have been relentlessly shelled by Russian artillery, millions no longer have that luxury. Either they’ve abandoned their homes, or the elevators don’t work because there’s no power. The cynical attempt to demoralise the population hasn’t worked—and must never be permitted to work.
From the artist: Every person needs a place they call home, but many people have lost their homes (and all the warmth that was there) because of the war. This work captures the moment a mother and child visit their home for the last time. But special memories can never be destroyed. And when people fix what is broken, there is always the hope they will recover what was lost due to the unjust desires of others.
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Our Team
Kudos to our Ukraine team for persisting for months under extremely difficult conditions to help Volodymyr bring this idea to fruition!
Oleksandr Hrekov
NFT Collection
Anastasia Vasylenko
Marketing
Lana Kovalyshyn
PR
Lizzy Masko
Design
Oleksandr Grybanov
Graphic Design
About us
Our mission is to fight 21st-century injustices with the soft power of culture. We create original artworks, transform them into enticing products, and donate half the profits—all with a pinch of humour.
Official Supplier, World Wildlife Fund (COP26)
Registered B Corporation
