Ukrainian Graphic Design

For the past century, Ukrainian graphic design has been consistently overshadowed by the dominant narrative of Soviet and Russian art. Modern graphic design, as we understand it today, began to take form in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Around that time, Ukraine had lost the Ukrainian-Soviet War in 1921 and the Soviet Union absorbed present-day Ukraine. Any Ukrainian work created was labeled “Soviet” and Ukrainian identity was heavily suppressed. Ukrainians had no right to their language, art, or literature. Once the USSR collapsed in 1991, those “Soviet” works became “Russian,” erasing the Ukrainian identity they once had. To this day, many Ukrainian artists remain mislabeled as “Russian” or “Soviet,” despite having deep roots in Ukrainian culture.

This exhibition seeks to celebrate Ukrainian graphic design and bring attention to artists and works that have been either hidden under the “Soviet” label or have been overlooked due to Russia's influence. The selected works highlight the uniqueness, beauty, and resilience of Ukrainian graphic design, showing a rich heritage that has been suppressed for decades. The pieces speak of history, culture, and identity, sharing stories that have been silenced. As viewers engage with the works, they are invited to look beyond the “Soviet” and “Russian” labels and expand their knowledge and awareness of Ukrainian identity. By doing so, Ukrainian art can be recognized for what it truly is: Ukrainian.