Spark of Life

WAONE’s Art: A Journey Through Surrealism

Volodymyr Manzhos, known as Waone, or Waone Interesni Kazki was born in 1981 near Kyiv, Ukraine. His father, an avid art lover and collector of local artwork and rare Orthodox icons, filled their home with art books and Soviet-era magazines featuring meticulously hand-painted illustrations. Volodymyr Manzhos' art interests sparked at an early age, around 4 or 5 years old.

Waone's artistic career began in 1999. His pseudonym, derived from the familiar Slavic name "Volodymyr," is a stylized form of the nickname "Вован" (Vavan), common in post-Soviet culture and adapted to the hip-hop aesthetic as "Wa-One."

Volodymyr Manzhos' biography highlights his journey from being a member of the Ingenious Kids graffiti crew in Kyiv to becoming a prominent figure in contemporary Ukrainian art, alongside other notable artists such as Mitia Fieniechkin, Vitalii Kokhan, Karina Synytsia, and many more. 

By 2003, the artist had grown tired of traditional graffiti lettering, and with fellow artist Aec, he shifted towards a new style: visual storytelling through large, surreal murals rich with imaginative tales. In 2005, Waone and Aec founded the artist duo Interesni Kazki, meaning "Interesting Fairy Tales" in Ukrainian. Their murals are populated with whimsical characters, intricate details, smooth gradients, and layered symbols, all weaving captivating stories. Over the next decade, the duo traveled widely, drawing inspiration from the cultures they encountered and painting murals that reflected local traditions. Their vibrant surrealistic works now adorn walls worldwide, from Australia to Mexico and San Francisco to Kyiv.

In early 2016, Waone introduced a new approach to his mural work, focusing on black-and-white pieces. Later that year, Interesni Kazki disbanded, and since May 2016, Waone has continued as a solo artist.

WAONE’s Artworks: Bold, Distinctive, and Unconventional

Volodymyr Manzhos’ artworks blend the spiritual and imaginative with the fabric of everyday life, drawing inspiration from Surrealist painters, Ukrainian folk traditions, and fairytales. For him, art is both a path to perfection and a gateway to divine realms. His artistic mission is to make these high divine values accessible to all.

His early artistic influences stemmed from the many art books in his family’s library. Reflecting his father’s Orthodox icons, WAONE strives to depict imagined worlds, reference various forms of the divine, and reflect on greater questions of human existence. It is noted that his non-linear surrealistic narratives also feature themes of ecological apocalypse, duality of life, and cosmology. Among his artistic influences and sources of diverse visual vocabulary are Orthodox icon painting, Soviet figuration of the 1920s, post-Soviet hip-hop culture, Soviet tradition of book illustrations, as well as European surrealism and muralism.

Volodymyr Manzhos’ technique includes using acrylics on murals and canvases, and ink on paper. His creative process starts with an idea, which evolves through numerous sketches until it takes its perfect form. Once the story is fully developed, he brings it to life by painting it on a wall or canvas, or by drawing it with ink on paper. Waone paintings and mural pieces are infused with life, energy, and soul. He believes that the true purpose of art is to transform the highest divine vibrations into a visual form that is accessible and understandable to all. He strives to incorporate this principle into every piece he creates.

Volodymyr Manzhos’ Art for Sale: Discover the Mystical World of His Works

Waone’s artworks include numerous options, each offering a unique expression of creativity and vision. His collection spans acrylic, ceramic, and bronze works, as well as etchings, prints, and editions. 

Volodymyr Manzhos’ paintings for sale include such works as Victory, Beta to Alpha Transition, Mother Earth, Spark of Life, and many more. Volodymyr Manzhos’ prices for works are within a range, making them accessible to both seasoned collectors and art enthusiasts looking to invest in high-quality art. The value of each work reflects not only its intricate details and emotional depth but also its connection to a powerful creative vision, making each work a worthy addition to any collection.