Vladyslav Melnyk

Vladyslav Melnyk is a contemporary artist who dedicates himself to the exploration of abstractionism, using a rhythmic arrangement of abstract strokes, transparent overlays, and multi-layered colors to express his own artistic vision.

Vladyslav Melnyk's Art Style

Vladyslav Melnyk, an abstract artist, was born in 1996 in Dnipro, Ukraine. He currently lives in Kyiv. 

Spontaneity is a key factor that accompanies Vladyslav Melnyk's creative vision. Before delving into painting, he immersed himself in the world of film photography, an experience that continues to influence his compositions and artistic sensibilities.

Melnyk's works serve as visual expressions of a silent cry from a generation — an emotional resonance universally felt yet inexplicably articulated. Through form, color, and texture, the artist aims to evoke a range of sensations and prompt self-analysis. Countless internal, intangible forces are often difficult to put into words. Overcoming the constraints of language, Vlad aspires to create a visual language that speaks directly to the essence of the human experience, resonating with individuals across diverse cultures and borders.

Luminiferous aether series of paintings

Luminiferous, or light-bearing ether, was a physical hypothesis that formed the basis of the first scientific studies on the propagation of light back in the 17th century. Scientists worked on it by flickering candles - much like the present-day Ukrainians who are steadfastly crafting a new world. Meaning not only the digital future but the new world order, with no place for authoritarianism and wars of aggression, Ukraine’s victory will bring light in a much broader sense.

The "Luminiferous aether" series of paintings explores the technological revolution during times of war. Amidst persistent power outages in 2022, Melnyk delved into the dissonance of life in the digital era. Despite being one of the world's top countries in terms of digital development, Ukraine was plagued by energy infrastructure disruptions caused by Russian shelling. Like millions of Ukrainians, the artist was forced to navigate the dichotomy between the virtual and physical worlds, grappling with the fragility of progress in the face of constant blackouts.

He was surrounded by the hum of generators and unlit streets, yet on his smartphone (when it was charged) accessed virtual worlds and artificial intelligence instruments.

One of Melnyk's notable paintings is "Dnipro," created in late January 2023.

The artwork titled "Iranian Drone Bombing the Power Grid" serves as another significant piece reflecting the ongoing and tragic war in Ukraine. The painting symbolizes the sense of resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people in the face of wartime challenges, as well as hatred of Iranian drones, which cause the most damage to the energetic infrastructure.

Vladyslav Melnyk's painting "Mental Health" is dedicated to the fragility of mental health during wartime. Through a palette of soft, muted colors, the painting conveys the delicacy and vulnerability of the human psyche. It skillfully captures the essence of tenderness and empathy that can arise from within, even when confronting external challenges and adversity.

"Metaverse" stands as another remarkable creation showcasing the artist's distinct perspective and unparalleled style.

On Fashion series

Vladyslav created a series that combined iconic colors of fashion houses — from Dior to Valentino — with abstract interpretations. Art not only reflects the current cultural zeitgeist but also contributes to it. It extends its influence to the realm of fashion, where the artist draws inspiration from designers who, in turn, are inspired by art. This interplay allowed Vladyslav to bring art references back into fashion and translate them onto the canvas. All the paintings from the series were sold to a private collection in Miami.

A painting from the series of works focused on depicting contemporary fashion. Vladyslav was inspired by the Bottega Green color, which became dominant in the collections of the Italian brand Bottega Veneta.

Exhibitions of Vladyslav Melnyk's works

Paintings by Vladislav Melnyk have received widespread recognition through solo and group exhibitions across the globe. Remarkable showcases include 'Rebus on the Plane' at Artsvit Gallery in Dnipro, Ukraine (2019); 'Verbalization' at the Gallery of the Institute of Modern Art Problems of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine (2021); and 'Against Logic' at M1 in Odesa, Ukraine (2021).

The artist's works have been showcased at diverse venues, including Modul (Dnipro, Ukraine), Kucherenko Art Gallery (Kharkiv, Ukraine), the World Economic Forum (Davos, Switzerland), and the Free Ukraine Foundation (Stuttgart, Germany), among others.

Recognition of Vladyslav Melnyk

Both the artist's persona and his creations have garnered attention, becoming the focal point of articles featured in a range of international magazines and publications, including Kaltblut Magazine, Elle Ukraine, Hypebeast, BestIn, L'officiel Ukraine, and BURO.

Vladyslav Melnyk's artistic creations have garnered recognition and secured their position within a multitude of esteemed private collections across the globe. Noteworthy collectors such as Antonello Monizza, Anna Gubskaya, Daryna Bablyak, Kenneth Rogers, and many others have welcomed his works into their curated spaces, appreciating the depth, emotion, and innovation embedded within each piece.