Ukrainian Findings
Anastasiia Zavalniuk
Ukrainian Findings is a retrospective of 20th-century Ukrainian graphic art, featuring works by prominent artists who worked in styles such as Ukrainian Baroque, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Constructivism, Modernism, and Brutalism. The exhibition highlights unique examples of the Ukrainian Cyrillic alphabet, particularly those that have remained unchanged since the reform of Peter I.
For the book cover, a fragment from Adolf Strahov’s printing house was used, featuring a ligature of two traditional Ukrainian letters, “I” and “Ї.” In modern Ukraine, these letters symbolize identity and authenticity, which have long been under threat of erasure. They also represent the uniqueness of the Ukrainian alphabet.
The book explores significant elements of graphic design and typography that underscore the richness of Ukrainian visual culture. The colors red and black symbolize struggle, strength, and national identity. This work demonstrates how art and type can combine to preserve and revive Ukrainian heritage, reinterpreted in a contemporary context.
Special attention is given to fonts created by Ukrainian designers to emphasize authenticity. For example, the Mak typeface by Valentyn Tkachenko is an experimental contrast typeface inspired by contemporary Ukrainian music, blending the traditional with the modern. The book also features fonts from the AlfaBravo studio, which combine geometric and humanist grotesques. Their open letterforms, wide proportions, crisp edges, and low contrast bring both dynamism and restraint to the book.
Imprint / Technical Raider:
Year: 2024;
Dimensions: N. A.;
Paper(s): N. A.
Typeface(s): N. A.
Content(s) by / additional credits: N. A.
Image(s) by / Additional credits: N. A.
Printing: N. A.
Finishing(s): N. A.
Curricular Unit:
Project (1st year)
Supervising Professor(s):
Cristina Ferreira