On October 9, 2024, the official opening of the art project "Zemlya" by Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Padun, assistant at the Department of Multimedia Design and a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine was held.

The "Zemlya" art-project was realized by the KNUTD lecturer with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. The exhibition was announced as part of KNUTD's events during Ukrainian Design and Innovation Week.

The opening ceremony was started by Rector of KNUTD Ivan Gryshchenko, Professor, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Academician of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine. Ivan Mykhailovych spoke about the artistic work of Volodymyr Padun, highlighting two art objects created at the University based on the artist's ideas: "The Tree of Inspiration in Beauty and Design" and "From the Visible, Comprehend the Invisible." He emphasized that the patriotic art project "Zemlya" is crucial for educating young people. Students at the University are offered an opportunity to engage with the world of art, while talented lecturers — graphic artists, painters, and conceptualists — share their knowledge, skills, and experiences that creativity and art are fundamental in educating future designers.

Volodymyr Padun is an artist, creator, educator, and soldier. He graduated from the Dnipropetrovsk Art College named after Yevhen Vuchetych and the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture. He was a member of the artistic group "Kholodny VEL", an author and participant in the "Antidot" project, co-founder of the "ArtFindings Bureau", and a regular participant in the legendary squat on Olehivska Street. From 2016 to 2018, he performed combat missions in the ATO zone as part of the "Kyiv Cossack Company of Special Forces of Taras Shevchenko BUK". He is currently an active fighter with the KCCSF BUK.

In his speech, Volodymyr Padun shared that the exhibition of the art project in the University's shelter is symbolic, as it highlights the extremely difficult living conditions faced by Ukrainians during the war. It also symbolizes the triumph of art over the ideology of militarization and conquest.

Kalyna Pashkevych, Dean of the Faculty of Design, congratulated the talented artist on the opening of the exhibition and emphasized that during the war, art serves as a vital support, providing strength to continue working and believe in a bright future.

In his welcoming speech, Valeriy Yurychkovskyi, a Ukrainian artist and promoter, honorary member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, and an artist who experienced the outbreak of the war in Mariupol, congratulated Volodymyr Padun on behalf of his fellow artists on the opening of the large-scale painting project. Valeriy Yurychkovskyi spoke about Volodymyr Padun's participation in numerous exhibitions abroad, which showcase to the world the harsh realities of Ukrainian life during Russian aggression, as well as the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and independence.

Oleksandr Tseholnyk, public figure, art manager, and head of the NGO PERFECT ART GROUP, spoke about the creative work of the artist, highly praising Volodymyr Padun's paintings, his artistic style, and color palette. He expressed gratitude to the heads of KNUTD for organizing such a remarkable exhibition, emphasizing the importance of these artistic events in educating young people and supporting Ukrainians during the war.

In the "Zemlya" project, the artist turns to the theme of the pixel camouflage of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which for him, as an artist, takes on a deeper meaning. It is no longer just a designer's abstraction and stylization of the landscape, but a new sense and concept altogether.

The foundation of the project consists of 12 paintings and a video installation. It features psychedelic rural panoramic landscapes and residents who continue their daily lives despite everything. The vibrant palette of bold colors and the free technique reflect this reality, with the pixelated camouflage of the Ukrainian Armed Forces serving merely as a motif, reminding viewers that the war continues.

The "Zemlya" art project, in addition to the author's paintings, was enhanced by a multimedia installation. The video showcased symbols of Ukrainian culture, accompanied by audio, which transformed from the creation stage into a small image. This image was then transferred onto an object and became part of the clothing of the exhibition's visitors, creating an interactive experience.

Many guests attended the opening of the art project, including friends, colleagues, artists, students, and postgraduate students.

The "Zemlya" art project by Volodymyr Padun is open for visitors until October 19, 2024, at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, located at 2 Mala Shyianovska Street, Building 1, in the shelter. All are welcome to attend!

11.10.2024