8 Deaths And 1 Life

Fairytale illustrations by Kateryna Shtanko

  Як іскра ще в тобі горить І згаснути не вспіла, — Гори! Життя — єдина мить, Для смерті ж — вічність ціла

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Танцювааааала риба з раком риба з раком

(c) @ ravlykart

A Russian attack drone hit the protective shelter of the destroyed 4th reactor at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant on Feb. 14, 2025(c)

When “20 Days in Mariupol” took home the Academy Award for outstanding documentary feature, director Mstyslav Chernov used his acceptance speech to make a powerful statement in support of Ukraine. “This is the first Oscar in Ukrainian history. And I’m honored,” Chernov said. “But probably I will be the first director on this stage who will say I wish I had never made this film..."

Українські традиційні прикраси з різних регіонів країни

Ukrainian traditional jewerly from different regions of country 

Creating an outward version of yourself that feels true can be both exciting and terrifying. If you are just starting to experiment with gender-affirming clothing, just keep these safety tips in mind and have fun!

exterior decorations of rural houses in odesa region, southern ukraine (villages shevchenkove, roksolany, kamchyk)

pretty devastating news just came in that if you want to be finished with your art project you have to work on it fairly consistently.

WIP on ukrainian folk costume + bonus headwear.

My old edits of Ukraine wearing a more accurate (simplified) traditional costume in comparison to the Sharovarshchyna-like clothes she has on in the original

Sharovarshchyna is basically pseudo-ethnic clothing that has nothing to do with Ukrainian national wear, and only pretends to be ethnic through kitsch elements. Sooo... something like this:

Sharovarshchyna:

Cheap, thin fabric, often glossy. Eye-straining red + white colour combination. Large and very vibrant flowers on the clothes, sometimes glued on. Generally very saturated colours, plastic-looking flower crowns that have no usage in traditional rituals or holidays. Often very low in details, minor accessories like a single necklace. Men often depicted wearing vibrant red boots (symbol of femininity? most of the time brides would wear those). Has nothing to do with Ukrainian heritage. A caricature, theatrical costume popularized in the late 19th century, later endorsed during the soviet era, when russification was especially violent, and only the "correct" showcasing of Ukrainian things wasn't persecuted. Still used by Ukrainians as a scenical costume for the very purpose it was created - because it's cheap, and easier to dance in.

"Sharovarshchyna" comes from the word "sharovary" which is the name of the stereotypical loose Cossack pants

Traditional Ukrainian costume:

Mostly muted colour scheme. Dark red, black and white often used as dominant colours, with details of other tones with higher saturation. Many elements vary depending on the region and occasion. Typically linen or thick cotton fabric. Detailed decorative embroidered elements have spiritual and symbolic meanings. Flower crown-like headwear worn by women during holidays and ceremonies (like weddings). Decorative tassels and fringe are often used on sleeves, hems, and headpieces to add texture and flair.

Also! Aprons, scarves, sashes, belts, and a lot of different headwear! (⁠っ⁠.⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)⁠っ

edit: for additional context, the second picture showcases wedding crowns and hats

Also some bonus examples of modern Ukrainian ethno-fashion ↓

Thanks for reading. I plan to do a more elaborate post with illustrations about Ukrainian traditional wear sometime in the future 🙏