Volodymyr Manzhos, known professionally as WAONE, is a remarkable muralist hailing from Kyiv, Ukraine. His vibrant murals are a feast for the eyes, portraying surreal interactions and mysterious narratives that draw upon a wide array of inspirations. Ranging from religious iconography to historical events and botanical elements, WAONE’s art weaves a rich visual tapestry that invites deep interpretation. His intricate works delve into themes of ecological apocalypse, cosmology, and the intricate duality between humans and nature. The organic and geometric forms, combined with expressive colors, make his murals not just visually appealing but also thought-provoking. Beyond murals, WAONE’s creative portfolio includes drawing, painting, and sculpture, each medium adding layers to his complex exploration of existence.
At the heart of WAONE’s creations lies a quest for self-discovery and an exploration of the world through a unique lens. His artistic journey began in 1999 with a spray can on the streets, evolving over 18 years into a fairytale visual language. This transcendental storytelling form of muralism is inspired by old masters, antique book illustrations, and traditional engravings. WAONE’s art aims to shift focus away from mundane life, tapping into an invisible world that he believes is the origin of existence. Through his murals, he invites viewers into this ethereal realm, creating a dialogue between the familiar and the fantastical.
The main goal of my art is to find out who am i and explore the outside world. Viewing through the lens of the creative process gives me the possibility to shift the focus away from the vanity of common life and tap into a stranger invisible world, the origin of the entire existence… It was a long way starting back in 1999, when I stepped on the streets with a spray can. During the next 18 years, I developed a fairytale visual language, a visual storytelling with a transcendental ethereal form of contemporary muralism. Inspired by the old master’s art I continue my evolution, I like to imitate the aesthetic of antique book illustrations and old engravings in my murals, canvases, and drawings.
WAONE
More info: Website, Instagram.
