“Ukrainian design is deeply sensual. It’s one of the most striking features that comes through in the selection of textures, shapes, and colors. Sensuality, emotionality, naivety, wildness, and a thirst for bright textures and shapes define it”
Victoria Yakusha
The "DZHERELO" exhibition works
Victoria Yakusha embodies the philosophy of "live minimalism," an approach to architecture and design that seamlessly merges simplicity with environmental awareness. Recognized by Dezeen as one of the top 50 influential women in architecture and design, she is the founder of Yakusha Studio, the FAINA design brand, and the Victoria Yakusha Gallery of Ukrainian Design in Antwerp, Belgium, where she also serves as curator. Her internationally acclaimed work has been showcased at major events like Design Miami, Milan Design Week, and Melbourne Design Week. At the DZHERELO exhibition, she presents items from her recent collections: PLYN, SKARB, and LAND OF LIGHT.
The PLYN collection, named after the Ukrainian word for "fluidity," embodies the fluidity of water and existence. The upholstered sofa and bench from this collection, on display at the exhibition, echo the form of coastal stones shaped by natural forces. This design marries primitive and organic elements, creating a harmonious fusion of nature and craftsmanship.
The SKARB collection, which means "treasure" in Ukrainian, showcases the Tiara Collection Vases Limited Edition. These vases are crafted from Ukrainian clay and embellished with distinctive polychrome topazes from the Volyn region. The design pays homage to the ancient tiaras of the Huns, reflecting a legacy of historical artifacts that have faced theft and destruction during wartime
The LAND OF LIGHT collection symbolizes strength and optimism amidst adversity. Each of the four pieces in this collection acts as a beacon of hope, with its own unique "superpower" to guide through darkness. Sontsehryv, or "The Sun-Warming One," featured in the exhibition, emanates joy and serenity, providing comfort and assurance. This sculpture is made from ZTISTA, a sustainable material invented by Yakusha, combining cellulose, clay, flax fiber, wood chips, and biopolymer.
Tetiana Krasutska
Tetiana Krasutska, a passionate Ukrainian designer, channels the raw essence of nature, wilderness, primal instincts, and unbridled sensuality into her work. Her creations tell stories that emerge from deep within, driven by an unstoppable force. Tetiana’s choice of materials reflects her profound respect for the natural world. Inspired by childhood memories and dreamlike landscapes, she crafts pieces that embody simplicity and purity while exuding a distinct sensuality. Through her designs, it feels as if nature itself gently calls us to reconnect with our primal instincts.
Each of her creations carries a narrative that enhances its distinctiveness and adds depth to her entire collection. Freedom serves as the guiding principle and foundation of Tetiana’s design philosophy. She quickly conceptualizes each piece, immersing herself in its essence and infusing it with her own spirit. These biomorphic and gracefully robust forms reflect her aesthetic ideals, capturing the very essence of beauty. Tetiana draws inspiration from unexpected sources, whether it's a striking photograph or the wild beauty of antlers.
At the exhibition, she showcases the TYSHA chest of drawers. TYSHA, meaning "silence" in Ukrainian, draws inspiration from the tranquility of an empty beach and the sound of the sea held within a seashell. Crafted from natural stone using the scagliola technique, its mosaic pattern resembles a pebble-strewn shoreline, while the recessed seashell handles invite listeners to hear the soft sound of the sea.
Products
Andrii Mykhailiak
Andrii Mykhailiak, a Ukrainian designer, uses materials like metal and wood. His design philosophy is rooted in authenticity and simplicity, with the goal of helping people reconnect with their inner strength by embracing natural materials. Through minimalist forms, Andrii crafts designs that resonate on a deep level, encouraging a return to our origins and a sense of comfort in the natural world.
The interplay of striking, untamed forms with practical design elements creates a raw sensuality that is both captivating and functional. The pieces invite viewers to reflect, exploring the fine line between allure and utility.
At the exhibition, Andrii presents his minimalist floor lamp X. The metal lamp, with its satin-finished stainless steel surface, comes alive under warm light, yet retains an air of cool detachment. It invites viewers to contemplate the delicate balance between beauty and practicality.
Products
Sergii and Anna Baiersdorf
Sergii and Anna Baiersdorf explore the fusion of diverse materials and forms, blending nature’s raw power with refined human creativity. Their work often features metal, symbolizing both strength and fluidity, and glass, adding elegance.
The AKEBIA lamps, available as floor lamps or wall sconces, are handcrafted glass pieces that merge functionality with unique artistry
The BRYLA ("boulder" in Ukrainian) functions as both a sculpture and a cabinet, symbolizing balance and unity. It tells a story of harmony achieved when individual elements complement and enhance one another. This interplay is highlighted through its surfaces, which are adorned with liquid metal and glass components, creating a dynamic visual effect
Julia and Yevhen Melnychenko
Julia and Yevhen Melnychenko prioritize naturalness, sustainability, and timelessness, pushing the boundaries of biomaterials to create intriguing designs.
The KHMYZ ("brushwood" in Ukrainian) collection’s sconce and panel reflect its organic origins in both material and design, showcasing an eco-conscious approach. These pieces are crafted from the author's material, which consists of an ecological mixture of cellulose, sawdust, clay, sand, hemp fiber, and glue. This material merges natural components with a technological approach to design, offering exceptional plasticity that enables the precise reproduction of natural forms. This flexibility allows for seamless integration into interiors, providing a wide canvas for creative expression.
This small coffee table from the KHMYZ collection features smooth, rounded forms inspired by the flow of branches and roots, creating a design that feels alive and organic. The matte stainless steel tabletop, with its tree ring-inspired relief, highlights the timeless connection between humanity and nature. The contrast between the cool metal and the table's fluid shapes symbolizes the balance of masculine and feminine energies, making this piece both a striking decorative element and a reminder of our bond with the natural world
Awards
2024 Dezeen List
Viktoriia Yakusha has been included in The 50 most powerful women in architecture and design
2024 SILVER Award IDA
Winner Workplace Interior Design Unit Space
2022 Design Miami/Basel
Best curio show
2024 GOLD Award IDA
Winner Interior Designer of the Year
2023 4 Future Awards
Gold Award Product design (health and wellbeing) - Chandelier in the B14 UNIT.City business space
2021 Dezeen Awards
An emerging design studio of the year
2024 SILVER Award IDA
Winner Conceptual Products MOVCHUN
2023 L A M P International Lighting Design Competition
Best Professional Floor Lamp - SONIAH