Transcendence - artists of Ukraine
- Wodeman
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
From December 6 to December 21, independent art space an.ä.log.sf, located in San Francisco’s Mission District, hosted the exhibition Transcendence: Artists of Ukraine. This showcase, curated by Tamara Lee, a prominent Ukrainian and international art curator, brought together 25 works of art created by five Ukrainian contemporary artists living and working across three countries: Ukraine, France, and the United States.
As one of the participating artists, I was honored to see eleven of my works travel from Kyiv to be part of this exhibition. Two other pieces came from Paris, and the rest arrived from Florida and Washington.
In the last ten years, Ukrainian artists have navigated immense challenges, compelled to move beyond borders - both physical and emotional - to preserve their creative essence. While some have left Ukraine to safeguard their artistic spirit from forces that would suppress it, others have remained, finding refuge within their inner worlds. This journey of transcendence, both literal and figurative, has allowed them to elevate their art beyond the confines of conflict and hardship.
The artworks in this exhibition, created amidst a time of national upheaval, embody openness, expressiveness, and a tactile sense of beauty — whether in joy or sorrow, silence or sound. These artists carry with them the qualities of resilience and creativity, moving into spaces and moments that reaffirm life’s inherent beauty, meaning, and value.
Ukrainian artists, whether staying or traveling afar, have integrated into the international art world as proud representatives of their homeland and advocates of art's universal power. For many, Ukraine remains a wellspring of strength and inspiration that they channel into their work, aiming to share this creative vitality with audiences worldwide. Their message is clear: even in the face of adversity, wisdom, love, and beauty are as essential as strength and courage.
Transcendence - Artists of Ukraine invited viewers to witness the endurance of Ukrainian art and its ability to rise above circumstance, expressing the timeless and boundless nature of the human spirit.
Exhibited artists included:
Boris Danilov (b. 1950) – Renowned Ukrainian artist and ceramist, Boris Danilov is a master of porcelain techniques. His work spans painting, graphics, and monumental art, blending figurative and abstract compositions. Inspired by the medieval Japanese concept of 'Sabi,' his art reflects harmonious forms imbued with elegance and a sense of timeless beauty.
Phil Lee (b. 1981) – A contemporary Ukrainian artist living in the United States since 2010, Phil Lee is also a celebrated director and cinematographer. His minimalist aesthetic and experimental approach combine musical improvisation with contemporary visual styles, creating art that bridges form and emotion.
Anna Valieva (b. 1984) – Based in the United States, Anna Valieva’s paintings have been exhibited across Ukraine, the U.S., and Switzerland. Her thematic series explore concepts like "memories of the future," blending ancestral traditions with the passage of time to create compositions that are both striking and deeply reflective.
Lia Mchedlishvili (b. 1994) – Living and working in Paris, Lia specializes in 2D digital artworks crafted from her traditional medium visual references. She has worked as the lead background artist for Ghost Cat Anzu, which received accolades at the Cannes Film Festival and Annecy International Animation Film Festival. For this exhibition, Lia presented her evocative oil paintings.
Wodeman (b. 1975) – As a Ukrainian contemporary artist, philosopher, and civil activist based in Kyiv, I primarily work in painting, digital media, and mixed techniques. My art explores color harmonies, the symbolism of objects, forms, and ideas, and the connections between them.
The exhibition was a testament to the enduring spirit of Ukrainian art. Through Transcendence: Artists of Ukraine, we shared our journey, our resilience, and our creativity, offering a window into the timeless and boundless nature of the human spirit.
To explore the exhibition in greater detail, download the PDF presentation:
For more information about Tamara Lee, the curator of Transcendence: Artists of Ukraine, download her CV:
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