24 Hours to Go Before the Auction Starts—Don't Miss Out!

For centuries, Ukraine has faced aggressive attempts by Russia not only to seize territories but also to appropriate the achievements of Ukrainian artists and scholars, distorting historical facts in the process. Today, amid a full-scale war, the issue of protecting cultural heritage is more urgent than ever. It is about preserving unique works of art and safeguarding national identity—the essence that makes Ukraine distinct and recognizable worldwide. Every saved or digitized piece is a real contribution to countering cultural appropriation and restoring historical justice. The UFDA initiative, particularly the first charitable NFT auction, aims to raise funds for the army and protect Ukraine's artistic treasures, ensuring they cannot be destroyed or claimed by others.

On February 18, UFDA is launching its first charitable NFT auction in partnership with the Prytula Charity Foundation, featuring works by renowned Ukrainian artists who have already earned international recognition. These creators stand out not only for their professional mastery but also for their ability to convey, through art, the complex collective experience of war and the profound social changes currently unfolding in Ukraine. Each featured artist is more than just a "star" of the art scene; they are individuals whose work reflects critical junctures in contemporary history—embodying pain, hope, and the pursuit of freedom. 

One of the central lots is the work by Nikita Kadan, an artist well known for his politically motivated and socially engaged art. His piece "FUCK WAR" is a straightforward manifesto against violence, powerfully capturing the experience of Ukrainians during the Russian aggression.

"The seemingly indecent slogan used by Nikita Kadan in his work is, in fact, one of the most poignant articulations of the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which escalated in 2022. However, this slogan, like so many others, neither resolves nor hastens the end of the unprecedented aggression against a peaceful population and a sovereign state. Instead, it symbolizes the collapse of the global order, the failure of diplomacy, and the erosion of humanity."

— Kateryna Tsyhykalo, Curator, art historian, PhD.

Kadan's work embodies the emotional tension and anger at the injustice of war. It points to irreversible changes in the global order and urges us not to remain silent about the aggression Ukrainians face every day.

Zhanna Kadyrova is an artist whose projects intertwine urban studies, sculpture, and installation. Her piece Anxiety reflects the emotional state of Ukrainians living in wartime conditions that have become part of daily life. Through a visual lens, Kadyrova conveys the sense of instability that now defines everyday reality, transforming it into an artistic statement about the collective social experience. 

“This simple, harmonious scene Zhanna complemented by the inscription Повітряна тривога ( eng — "Air Raid Anxiety"), as if intruding upon this unruffled calm — much like the alarm signal itself, which in recent years has frequently disrupted the rhythm of daily life in Ukrainian cities, carrying with it the constant understanding of danger and tension that "overlays" ordinary, everyday existence.”

— Vita Kotyk, Сurator, researcher, editor, art manager, and cultural journalist.

The digital counterpart of "Victory" by Waone Interesni Kazki references Ukraine's new mythology, where the Cossack spirit triumphs over totalitarian symbols. Such a storyline underscores a strong emotional and historical dimension, resonating with Ukraine's current pursuit of freedom.

"The original piece, 'Time for Change 3: Victory,' was painted in October 2022 as a tribute to the Ukrainian heroes defending their country against russian aggression. The composition unfolds through a dynamic confrontation between two central figures—a Ukrainian Cossack and a russian bear. The defeated bear, marked with Soviet symbols, embodies a symbolic triumph over the totalitarian past."

— Yuliia Berdiiarova, Head of Business Development at Digital Original, Ukrainian curator, and former curator at Museum Ludwig in Cologne.

Waone (Waone Interesni Kazki) is a prominent representative of the first wave of Ukrainian muralists. He is a multidisciplinary artist known for collaborating with Hermès and for high-profile projects worldwide. "Victory" continues his signature style, merging folkloric motifs, fantastical imagery, and socio-political context into vibrant and multifaceted compositions.

Thus, the UFDA charitable NFT auction offers a unique opportunity to discover art that reflects the most pressing challenges of Ukrainian reality while simultaneously contributing to preserving cultural heritage at a time when it is most at risk.

How do I participate in the auction?

The first charitable NFT auction by UFDA is a vivid example of how technology can serve humanitarian purposes. Each of us has the opportunity to contribute to preserving a cultural heritage that is currently under real threat. Let us prove together that Ukrainian art is strong, unbreakable, and deserving of global recognition and that war cannot stand in the way of its ongoing development and popularization. We invite everyone who cares to join the historic launch of the auction tomorrow, February 18. Support the artists and help our culture endure and prevail!