Denys Kulikov: A New Generation of Storyteller Shaping Contemporary Ukrainian Art
Denys Kulikov, born in 2004 in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, is quickly gaining attention as an exceptional talent in contemporary art.
By blending medieval-inspired characters with reflections on displacement and resilience, Denys Kulikov crafts magical worlds that speak to the human experience in profound and unexpected ways.
At just 20 years old, his practice bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern themes, reflecting the resilience, struggles, and aspirations of his generation.
Working primarily with pen, pencil, acrylics, and handmade frames, Kulikov’s art captures the raw emotions of living through war, displacement, and cultural transformation.
His intricate, handcrafted approach stands out in an age dominated by digital media, drawing viewers into a tactile and deeply personal world.
Kulikov’s work is deeply influenced by the events shaping his homeland and his fascination with medieval culture.
Through finely detailed graphics, he creates new worlds populated by whimsical characters and magical elements.
These creations draw heavily on medieval iconography, blending historical references with contemporary interpretations.
Flora and fauna play a central role in his compositions, forming intricate symbiotic relationships that evoke a sense of harmony and balance.
By combining natural and fantastical elements, Kulikov constructs immersive visual narratives that reflect both the chaos of modern life and a yearning for order.
This fusion of history, imagination, and personal experience gives his work a timeless yet deeply relevant quality.
Denys Kulikov: (left) «Thorns» 2024 26x18 cm (right) «Friend» 2024 20x14 cm | Image courtesy the artist
Kulikov’s versatility extends beyond the studio.
His public art projects and collaborations demonstrate his ability to engage diverse audiences while retaining the emotional depth of his practice.
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One standout project was his contribution to the Art Triennale in Orońsko, Poland, where he played a key role as the illustrator.
He developed all the illustrations and helped shape the visual style, collaborating to present contemporary Ukrainian perspectives to an international audience.
Another notable endeavor is Kulikov’s collaboration on the design of bus stops in Poland.
In this project, he used art to transform a mundane public space into a site of reflection and community.
His works, integrated into the design of the stops, blend everyday life with poignant imagery, turning transitional spaces into canvases for cultural dialogue.
Kulikov has also ventured into fashion, collaborating with a contemporary clothing brand to translate his distinctive drawings into wearable art.
This partnership brought his medieval-inspired graphics and fantastical imagery to a wider audience, further cementing his relevance in both art and design spheres.
At the core of Kulikov’s art is a strong sense of resilience.
His works often contrast delicate, personal details with broader societal themes, inviting viewers to reflect on how individual stories connect with collective history.
For Kulikov, the act of drawing and painting is a form of resistance—a way to preserve memory, process trauma, and envision a future beyond conflict.
His series of works exploring home and displacement, framed in delicate handmade constructions, features fragmented interiors and imagined landscapes.
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These pieces serve as meditations on belonging and the longing for stability, resonating deeply with anyone who has experienced upheaval.
The playful medieval characters interspersed in these compositions act as both guardians of memory and symbols of hope.
In an art world often defined by rapid production and digital formats, Kulikov’s commitment to craftsmanship feels refreshingly deliberate.
His use of handmade frames, carefully selected materials, and traditional techniques reflects a deep respect for the physical act of creation.
Yet, his work is anything but nostalgic. Instead, it feels urgent and contemporary, connecting traditional artistry with themes that speak to today’s world.
His focus on manual techniques places him within a broader movement of artists rejecting purely digital approaches in favor of hands-on creation.
Kulikov’s work aligns with a growing appreciation for tactile, slow-made art in an increasingly fast-paced and screen-saturated culture.
This thoughtful, human-centric approach adds a layer of intimacy to his practice, drawing viewers into the process as much as the product.
Despite his youth, Kulikov’s work contributes significantly to larger cultural dialogues.
Denys Kulikov: (left) «Morning star» 2024 14x18 cm (right) «Captivity» 2024 14x18 cm | Image courtesy the artist
His pieces reflect not only the struggles of Ukraine but also universal questions about survival, identity, and resilience.
By working across public spaces, design collaborations, and gallery contexts, Kulikov demonstrates the adaptability of his vision while maintaining a clear, personal voice.
His ability to weave medieval influences with modern themes, creating fantastical yet deeply reflective worlds, ensures that his work resonates beyond its immediate context.
As his career continues to evolve, Kulikov’s commitment to his craft and his ability to communicate profound themes through simple materials ensure his place as a vital figure in contemporary art.
His works remind us of the enduring power of art to reflect, resist, and heal.
Discover and support the artist—follow Denys Kulikov on Instagram and stay updated on his journey on TikTok!
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