Victory
2023, Painting, Acryl, Linen fabric , Surrealism, Contemporary
Victory by Waone is a painting created after the mural “Time for change 3: Victory” in Kyiv. This work is rich with symbolism, representing Ukraine (painted as a strong man) resisting russian aggression (painted as a bear).
Victory by Waone
The work by the artist features a russian bear that wants to eat Ukrainian honey, but a Ukrainian Cossack kicks the bear away. As Waone described it himself, this is a story about events taking place in Ukraine, where the country must defend itself against the russian armed forces.
Victory’s Art Style: Capturing Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom
The painting is a contemporary work of art, created in the style of Surrealism. The artwork’s technique is a painting, created on linen fabric. The sizes of the work are 130cmx80cm.
The colors used in Victory are both striking and symbolic. The artist employs earthy tones and muted greens to represent Ukraine. These colors are seen in the land, fields, and the Cossack’s attire. In contrast, the vibrant red of the bear’s pants, paired with the hammer and sickle, evokes Soviet and russian imagery, creating a sharp visual and ideological contrast.
Meanwhile, the bright sun, radiating over the scene, can serve as a metaphor for optimism and hope for a future triumph. The sun also holds a towel with lines from Taras Shevchenko's poem “Caucasus.”
Unique Features. Emotions and Mood of Victory
Victory’s history is closely related to the history of the original mural. The original mural “Time for change 3: Victory” was painted in October 2022, and dedicated to the Ukrainian heroes defending their country against the russian aggression. This mural is the third and final piece in the series. The first part depicted the Euromaidan in Kyiv and was created in India in January 2014. The second focused on the beginning of russian aggression in Donbas and was painted in October 2014 in Kyiv.
Victory’s meaning lies in its allegory about russia's centuries-long imperial ambitions, which have brought destruction and death to Ukraine, but are now met with decisive rejection and resistance. The work evokes various emotions, from pride in the brave Ukrainian people fighting for their existence to hope that the aggressor will inevitably be defeated.
Explore more works by Waone
Waone is a well-known Ukrainian artist who creates acrylic, ceramic, and bronze works, as well as etchings, prints, and editions. Among his famous works are “Quantum Physics” (2018), “From Conscious to Unconscious” (2020), “Spark of Life” (2019), “Study Hall II” (2018), and many more. Explore these works and more on the UFDA website, and immerse yourself in the multi-layered world of Waone's art.
- Format Digital Original Standard
- Resolution 400 MPX
- Color depth
48 bit 281 Trillion Colors
Original file size
1292 MB DNG File
- Country Ukraine
- Years 2023
- Styles
- Medium
- Physical canvas 130cm x 80cm
- Framing No framed
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.
- Resolution
- 400 MPX
- Dimensions
- 23296x17472
- Medium
- DNG
- Device
- FUJIFILM
- Device model
- GFX100 II
- Lense
- FUJIFILM
- Lense model
- GF63mmF2.8 R WR
- Color space
- Uncalibrated
- Color profile description
- 48 bit color depth, 281 Trillion Colors
- Metering mode
- Multi-segment
- F number
- 11
- Exposure program
- Manual
- Exposure time
- 1/13
- Focal length
- 63.0 mm
- Photographer
- Digital Original Studio