From 8 to 11 October at Decorex 2023, nine Ukrainian design brands showcased the exhibition “Between Art and Nature" for the first time.

During challenging periods in human history, artists have always been aware of preserving national identity by reviving traditional arts and crafts. As in the time of William Morris in England, today's Ukrainian designers unite in collectives, return to traditions, to natural forms and colours, and to the desire to create functional yet beautiful objects. This approach gives homes aesthetic appeal and builds a harmonious centre that reflects the cultural values and spirituality of the Ukrainian people.

Using the history and experience of Ukrainian decorative art, the modern possibilities of the digital world, and the latest manufacturing technologies, Ukrainian design brands create an optimistic and fairy-tale world, in order to demonstrate their resilience, kindness, strength, and ability for revival in difficult times.

This passion for creation inspired the organiser of the creative alliance, Ukrainian Product Design, to gather nine Ukrainian design brands under one umbrella and, together with the famous Ukrainian scenographer Anna Goyman, to bring a collection of modern design objects to the exhibition "Between Art and Nature," which will represent Ukraine for the first time at the Decorex exhibition.

"With over six years of experience in Ukrainian product design, I have been involved in creating unique high-end products. I am familiar with the journey from the production workshop to renowned galleries. Through my hands-on experience, I have gained expertise in this field and am excited to bring a curated collection of our best products to the UK market.”

Oksana Tverdokhlibova, organiser of the exhibition and founder of Ukrainian Product Design

GORN Ceramics is a workshop specialising in creating decor and art objects from clay. Their product line reveals a blend of experience and the vigour of true inspiration.
At the crossroads of tradition and innovation, GORN Ceramics breathes life into ancient artistry, infusing each creation with a contemporary essence that captivates the senses. Steeped in the richness of Ukrainian heritage, GORN Ceramics draws inspiration from the land, infusing their creations with a profound connection to nature's beauty. Each vase that will be presented at Decorex 23 tells an unique story, a narrative born from the very earth from which it emerged. At GORN Ceramics, clay is not just a medium; it's a canvas for expression, a vessel for emotions, and a bridge between nature and art. 

DIZA Collective, a leading Ukrainian furniture manufacturer, stands at the forefront of modern furniture design with an unyielding commitment to ecological principles. Their philosophy centres on crafting exquisite pieces from durable, certified materials that stand the test of time. Working in collaboration with talented Ukrainian designers, DIZA uses circular recycling principles, ensuring their furniture can be effortlessly renewed, repaired, efficiently transported or stored when needed.

At the upcoming Decorex exhibition, DIZA will showcase the iconic G-Spot sofa designed by acclaimed designer Yevhen Litvinenko and the CUT chair and armchair, by trailblazing designer, Denis Sokolov, who also served as the art director of the first Ukrainian pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2023. 

llab.design, a young brand synonymous with innovation and craftsmanship, has excited audiences with its exceptional furniture and decor crafted from the finest natural stone. AtDecorex,llab.designunveils VIYALOcoffeetables,theEdgeslidingbarcabinet,andthe Duality dining table. 

PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS, a dynamic studio founded by Andrii Rudenko and Borys Pylypenko, unites craftsmanship and innovation. Their shared passion for traditional and modern materials and artisanal expertise drive their creative impulse. At Decorex, PANOPTIKUM COLLECTIONS unveils the eye-catching Bubbles cabinet, designed by Andrii Rudenko and the Mushrooms coffee table created from Carpathian tree mushrooms in their natural autumnal colours. 

"Every surface is an opportunity to craft a story" - this is a philosophy of the Ukrainian brand YourFoRest, specialising in personalised narrative wooden panels. Their creations combine design excellence and meticulous woodcraft. Collaboration lies at the heart of YourFoRest's creative ethos. They join forces with Ukrainian and European designers to breathe life into their collections.

At the upcoming exhibition, 'Between Art and Nature,' YourFoRest presents three captivating Oblique, Italy Classic and Pontelli wall panels. In addition, there is a Pontelli chest of drawers, all the creations of the Italian designer Juanny Barcelò Borges. 

Ukrainian artist and designer TASHA ORO is championing the beauty of transformation through upcycling.
For her, the mantra is clear: "My creative method is upcycling. In our world awash with excess, recycling emerges as the most ethical and promising path to creation. I harness components from the automobile industry, fragments of household appliances, vintage ceramics and porcelain, remnants from furniture production, and even repurposed mailboxes. Recycling materials are omnipresent; our cities are veritable treasure troves!" At Decorex, TASHA presents the KAHLY series of panels, inspired by a fusion of classical composition principles and sculptures from her SUPREMATIC OBJECTS series — a testament to TASHA`s ability to blur the lines between art and utilitarian design. 

The visionary wallpaper brand The O was born from graphic drawings and photographs by designer Yevhen Lytvynenko. The O unveils a stunning collaborative collection at Decorex, created in partnership with Elle Decor/Ukraine. This collection's design reflects Kyiv's iconic architectural objects. 

Yalanzhi Objects' accent lighting gracefully marries nature with artistry. This design brand, led by Yulya Yalanzhi, is a testament to the transformative power of art and design and is rooted in a profound respect for our planet.
Each sculptural lighting unit is meticulously handcrafted from natural recycled materials. It's a harmony of aesthetics and ethics, where each creation is a testament to the value of authentic Ukrainian craftsmanship.

Among the masterpieces Yalanzhi Objects is set to unveil at DECOREX are the Peony series of wall lamps and the Grona pendant lamp.