Blue-Yellow Series: Yurko Gutsulyak's Posters

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About

The Blue-Yellow Series of posters explores Ukrainian identity through individual interpretations of state symbols, particularly the flag. Since the beginning of the war, many Ukrainians worldwide have subconsciously started noticing any possible combinations of blue and yellow in everyday life. The colours are perceived as a sign of support, togetherness, and hope. They are gaining new meanings and giving people strength to resist. The poster series delves into the search for Ukraine and the Ukrainians' place in the modern world. "When no colours are left, the Ukrainian flag is still waving" is the project's central message. The posters represent the flag colors in various ways: as wavelengths of blue and yellow light, as chemical formulas of the most common pigments like Prussian blue and Cadmium yellow, as wildflowers like periwinkle and dandelion, as gestures of sign language, as icons for colourblind people, and as formulas for process printing or digital devices.

About the Author:

Yurko Gutsulyak (Ukrainian-Canadian, 1979) examines the frontiers between graphic design and contemporary art. Though his artworks are often reproduced in multiple editions, they aim to deliver personalized messages to the viewer. Symbols and symbolism fascinate him and fuel his creativity. He enjoys engineering meanings and playing with interpretations to provoke reflection and even debate. With over twenty years of experience in the field, Yurko Gutsulyak founded Gutsulyak.Studio in 2005, a creative atelier specializing in visual identity, print, and packaging design. He has achieved remarkable success throughout his career, receiving numerous international awards (including Red Dot, European Design Awards, Epica Awards, Pentawards, Dieline Awards, Communication Arts, and Graphis), delivering lectures, writing, and shaping the design community in Canada, Ukraine, and beyond.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a unique and moving celebration of Ukraine’s flag through the eyes of a visionary artist.

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Links

• About Blue-Yellow Series Gutsulyak.Studio stvolodymyr.org

Organizer

St. Volodymyr Institute

St. Volodymyr Institute (SVI) stands as a venerable institution with a rich history deeply intertwined with the Ukrainian Canadian community in downtown Toronto. For over six decades, this institute has played a pivotal role in fostering Ukrainian culture, education, and community engagement.

The institute is a multifaceted hub, encompassing a student residence, a theatre, a comprehensive library, an art exhibit space, and event spaces. It has been a cornerstone for educational and cultural activities, serving as a venue for numerous events such as theatrical and musical performances, art exhibitions, book launches, lectures, and more.

Beyond its physical facilities, SVI has become a focal point for various organizations dedicated to advancing Ukrainian education and culture. These include the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, Canadian Foundation for Ukrainian Studies, Chair of Ukrainian Studies Foundation, Holodomor Research and Education Consortium, Ukrainian Art Song Project, Ukrainian Canadian Research & Documentation Centre, Ukrainian Museum of Canada – Ontario Branch, and the Ukrainian Students' Club at the University of Toronto. Together, these organizations contribute to a vibrant and dynamic cultural ecosystem within the institute.

SVI continues to evolve, embracing new avenues for cultural expression, education, and community outreach. With its enduring legacy and commitment to Ukrainian heritage, the institute remains a vital institution, fostering a sense of pride and connection among the Ukrainian Canadian community, local community, and most recently the newcomers from Ukraine.