Kharkiv artist transforms shelling-shattered glass into stunning mosaics
Kharkiv artist Valentyna Huk, known as "Sun," creates unique mosaics from glass fragments shattered by Russian shelling.
The Luk media reported this.
The artist mentioned attending the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts but didn't finish her studies.
"In my work, I work with acrylic and pastel, but I use watercolor black pencil most of all. It allows me to create "living" works, which I call such because of their unmistakableness," Valentyna notes.
"Fatigue," 2024, watercolor pencil, fiberboard tablet
The artist said she had wanted to start creating mosaics for about a year but lacked the inspiration or idea. She also considered exploring street art, which is quite prominent in Kharkiv.
"Then, a rocket struck near my house, and the blast wave blew my balcony inward. Seeing the glass fragments, I realized this was the moment. I was too scared to stay in the apartment, so I spent a day at a friend's place. When I went home to check on things, my friend called and asked, "Are you coming back?" I replied, "I'm already working,'" the artist explains.
The work created from this glass is the most valuable and still kept at home. It was the first, but not the last work that made me think about a big project.
"Tree of Life 1" (Mriia), 2024. The mosaic is located at 33 Myronosytska Street.
After that, Huk started consulting with friends who had experience in mosaics, especially to learn how to make them waterproof for outdoor display. Her first street mosaic appeared on Myronosytska Street, followed by others throughout the city.
"Tree of Life 2!" (Eye of War), 2024. The mosaic is located on Kvitky-Osnovianenka Street, 13.
Today, the artist actively collects glass fragments. Her friends and acquaintances understand that any glass shards left after explosions are a real treasure for her.
"Hello. We are here near the house. There is a lot of glass. Don't you need it?" her relatives ask.
"Tree of Life 3" (Gul), 2024. The mosaic is located on Kvitky-Osnovianenka Street, 13.
Valentyna believes her works serve as a "healing act" for the city. She gathers glass fragments shattered during the shelling and transforms them into art, returning them to where the damage occurred or very close to it.
"Tree of Life 5" (Beetle), 2024. Glass from the Makers coffee shop was used after hitting the National Academy of Legal Sciences building on January 23, 2024. The work can be seen in the hall of the coffee shop at 66 Skovorody Street.
"It feels exciting when you take the fragments and bring them home," the artist says.
Among her works are mosaics located near the Palace of Labor. All the glass fragments for them were collected in the courtyards of this building.
Currently, there are four mosaics by Valentyna in Kharkiv. One decorates the Vivat bookstore's facade; another is in the Makers coffee shop in Izium. One work is dedicated to a fallen soldier.
"Tree of Life 4" (Cerberus), 2024. This work uses fragments from Soborna Street, Izium, after the temporary occupation and daily shelling, which continue to this day. The work is named in honor of Oleksandr Pustovit, a military commander who died in battle for his country. The work is located in the city of Izium, on 61/1 Soborna Street, and adorns the facade of the Makers coffee shop.
For reference:
Yana Tarhonia, an artist from Ukraine, crafted a one-of-a-kind symbol of peace as a dove adorned with blue and yellow colors. This unique piece was made using shattered pieces of stained glass from Kyiv's St. Nicholas Church, which was severely damaged during a Russian attack on December 20, 2024. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski then gifted the dove to Pope Francis.
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