Waone Interesni Kazki: Leading the Charge in Ukrainian Art’s Global Breakthrough

In contemporary art, few figures transform traditional visual paradigms as boldly and powerfully as Volodymyr Manzhos, known by his pseudonym Waone or Waone Interesni Kazki. Born in 1981 near Kyiv, he was immersed in art from an early age. His home, filled with his father's collection of local artworks, rare Orthodox icons, and Soviet-era illustrated magazines, catalyzed his creative journey.

Beginning his artistic career in 1999 as an Ingenious Kids graffiti crew member in Kyiv, Waone soon realized that conventional graffiti no longer quenches his thirst for innovation. By 2003, together with fellow artist Aec, he pioneered a new era of visual storytelling, crafting expansive murals rich with allegorical references, fairy-tale characters, and multilayered symbols. Thus, the duo Interesni Kazki—meaning "Interesting Fairy Tales" in Ukrainian—was born.

Over decades of travel and creative exploration, Waone produced works that now adorn walls from San Francisco to Mexico, Australia to Kyiv. One of his most discussed pieces is the painting "Victory" from the Time for Change 3 series. Originally conceived as a mural in October 2022 as a tribute to Ukrainian heroes defending their homeland from Russian aggression, "Victory" presents a dynamic confrontation: a Ukrainian Cossack, symbolizing strength and freedom, battles a Russian bear emblazoned with Soviet symbols. In its climactic moment, the Cossack's triumph becomes an allegory for shattering totalitarian legacies and the resurgence of national identity.

Executed in painting on linen fabric, measuring 130x80 cm, the work captivates not only with its intricate composition but also with its potent symbolism. Earthy tones and muted greens evoke the Ukrainian landscape, while the vivid red accents on the bear's attire and attributes reference Soviet motifs, creating a striking visual contrast. A radiant sun, symbolizing hope and optimism, bathes the scene, complemented by an allusion to lines from Taras Shevchenko's poem "Caucasus," underscoring the nation's indomitable spirit.

At a recent charitable digital art auction—where UFDA presented its works as NFTs—the painting "Victory" became the event's highlight. With an opening bid of 15,000 USDC, fierce global competition among collectors drove its final price to a record-breaking 24,000 USDC. This milestone set a new record and surpassed previous achievements, including the result at Christie's in 2024 when the work "Games of the Sun-God" sold for 20,000 euros.

These figures represent more than commercial success—they attest to Waone's global acknowledgment as one of the most influential figures in contemporary Ukrainian art. His collaborations with prestigious brands, such as the luxury house Hermès, for whom he created signature display windows at Kansai Airport in Osaka, further underscore his universal talent and his ability to fuse traditional techniques with modern technology.

Waone's works are not mere visual images; they constitute a universe where surreal motifs, Ukrainian folk traditions, and profound philosophical reflections converge. For the artist, art is both a path to perfection and a medium for conveying the highest divine vibrations in an accessible form. Influenced by the art books of his youth, Orthodox icons, Soviet illustrative traditions, and European surrealism, Waone creates pieces imbued with vibrant energy, emotional depth, and an earnest drive to transform the world.

His creative process is a meticulous journey from concept to execution: countless sketches evolve into a fully formed idea, which then materializes as murals, paintings, or graphic works rendered in acrylics, inks, or even ceramics and bronze. Each piece bears the imprint of his vision and philosophy, making Waone's art accessible and resonant with a broad audience.

Waone Interesni Kazki is an artist who boldly bridges the past and present, tradition and innovation, crafting unique works that inspire and unite people around the globe. Whether through revolutionary murals or digitized art, his creations contribute to a global dialogue on freedom, independence, and cultural heritage.