The Visual Language of the War: Katalina Maievska

The Visual Language of the War: Katalina Maievska

What was your main activity before the full-scale war?

The same as it is now—I am a designer. I work for the Kunsht popular science magazine and also take on freelance projects. My specialization is in identity design, and I occasionally do illustrations, as this is also one of my competencies and skills as a designer.

Can you describe your day of February 24 and the events that followed?

The tension was palpable even before the invasion. There was an awareness of what could happen, but the human psyche has a fascinating way of protecting us, making it seem like the invasion wouldn’t start today, tomorrow, or even next week. When it actually began, it took me a long time to grasp the reality of the situation and understand what was happening.

I am originally from Kyiv, but on that day, I wasn’t at home. We had gone to the city of Rivne for business and to visit friends. We didn’t have any documents with us, nor a go-bag. As comedian Vasyl Baidak says, “A go-bag is a bag that is either not there or is empty.” That’s exactly how it was for us.

In Rivne, we were welcomed by the people we stayed with for four months. During that time, all our preferences for personal comfort disappeared, and everyone united.

The things you drew, was it a reflection or rather a way to distract yourself?

My first patriotic illustration was created on February 22, when Vladimir Putin recognized the so-called ‘independence’ of the so-called ‘L/DNR’.

Illustration serves as a kind of protection for me. I was overflowing with emotions and needed to channel them into something. So, to answer your question, it was more of a reflection. However, it was also hard to just sit idly by.

There were no illustrations in your profile for a long time. Have you returned to your main job yet?

I have been doing my main job all this time. At Kunsht, we also focused on war-related topics and everything connected to it. Back then, I didn’t have any freelance projects, but now I have many, so there’s no time to draw. Additionally, my psyche can’t handle being constantly absorbed in this.

In your opinion, what is the role of art in a war?

I have identified several main points:

First, it is important for the artist. It functions as therapy. I drew with such anger and speed that my hands hurt. This process serves as significant protection for the psyche.

Secondly, it benefits society. People can use these posters to attend mass meetings, rallies, and protests.

Thirdly, it supports Ukraine. Artists can sell their drawings and donate some or all of the proceeds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine or those affected by the war.

Have you noticed the interest in your works from people from other countries?

Yes, of course. In the first few weeks, many people DM’ed me. Some took my works to mass meetings; others offered to print my illustrations on T-shirts and sell them. Design agencies requested to use my drawings in exhibitions. Eventually, the New York Times approached me, and I worked with them.


Original version published on September 29, 2022 in collaboration with Online media outlet Svidomi.

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