Land of Light II by Victoria Yakusha – Photos by Vladyslav Chabanenko.
Design. Ukrainian architect and designer Victoria Yakusha continues to explore light as a vital, life-giving force with Land of Light II, the latest chapter of her evolving series. Presented at Design Miami, the project introduces four mythic creatures shaped by her country’s folklore. Each sculpture reflects the inner qualities of a contemporary Ukrainian cultural figure from art, science, design, or fashion—individuals who, through craft and consciousness, illuminate the world around them.
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“Land of Light II reveals that light lives in people,” Yakusha explains. “It is a reminder of the beauty of continuing to shine, even when the world trembles.” The pieces form a gentle yet powerful contemporary mythology. They bridge ancestral legends with present-day resilience, weaving a narrative grounded in wisdom, individuality, wonder, and tenderness. Together, they position Land of Light II as both a cultural reflection and an emotional compass.
The Zorehriv fantastical beast celebrates fashion designer Lilia Litkovska’s celebration of self-expression. Dyvorih honours scientist Maksym Kovalenko’s quantum explorations. Laskohraj pays tribute to artist Roman Minin’s poetic resilience while Trimudra reflects Yakusha’s own search for balance.
From left: Roman Minin, Maksym Kovalenko, Victoria Yakusha and Lilia Litkovska.
Each creature is handcrafted from ZTISTA, Yakusha’s signature sustainable material composed of clay, flax, wood chips, and recycled paper. Painted in white, the surfaces feel almost kneaded, as if formed from living earth. The sculptures’ soft volumes and minimalist silhouettes reveal the country’s spirit—naive, wild, and thirsty for life.
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For Yakusha, naivety and raw optimism define a central thread of Ukrainian design. “We move with no budget, no special skills, nothing others have,” she told Archipanic. “Like children, we believe that ‘if I want it, I can do it.’ Of course, it doesn’t always work for everyone, but there is great power in this—the power to overcome barriers and do the impossible.”
This instinct is matched by a wildness rooted in land and memory. “Ukrainian design is primordial, strongly connected with the earth on a personal level,” she continues. “Our forests and valleys are full of mysterious creatures. Nature is our mother, our friend, our opponent, our first teacher. We managed to keep a living link with our land, which the war and its dramatic irreversibility have further strengthened.”
At the core lies a profound, almost urgent hunger for life. “Our art and design are indescribably thirsty for life. And it’s not about wanting constant extravagance or everlasting celebrations—it’s about embracing life in all its facets, even through death.” This desire appears in ornament, emotion, and fearless expressiveness. “Our design is not ascetic; it is brighter and exuberant.”
Victoria Yakusha and Trimudra.
Land of Light II embraces these true values and the wider spirit of Ukrainian design. It channels resilience, imagination, and a fierce connection to the land, offering a contemporary folklore that feels both intimate and universal. Through these inspiring creatures, Yakusha invites the world to witness how light endures—even when shaped by struggle—and how creativity becomes a quiet act of hope.
Lilia Litkovska and Zorehriv.
All photos are by Vladyslav Chabanenko, courtesy of Victoria Yakusha.
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