Choosing to put on pixel, a military camouflage adopted by the Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2014 with the onset of war,is a personal journey of commitment to defend one’s homeland and loved ones. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are composed of hundreds of thousands of such personal journeys. Each is interwoven with personal concerns, motivations, unique skills, and talent. The Armed Forces of Ukraine embody a united Ukrainian society, with conscious citizens who have resisted Russian armed aggression and fought for the country’s future for more than a decade.
The art project I Put On a Pixel Camo showcases the stories of men and women who, driven by their flair, have chosen to fight and defend Ukraine. They have managed to transfer their civilian skills to the military sphere within the Armed Forces of Ukraine, continuing their professional journeys in uniform. Engineers and psychologists, designers and dentists, journalists and programmers, directors and doctors — this is a far from complete list of the diverse professions currently playing crucial roles in the army.
At the core of the project are illustrations by Ukrainian artist Mari Kinovych, inspired by a series of video interviews conducted by the StratCom of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with military servicemen and servicewomen. The illustrator captures the world of these talented, professional and dedicated individuals who chose the path of defence and put on pixel camo. Through her artistic expression, she also pays tribute to the heritage of Ukrainian graphic arts of the first half of the 20th century. Some of these servicemen and servicewomen have been safeguarding their homeland since 2014. Some have joined the army with the onset of the full-scale invasion, uncertain of what the next day might bring.
It became apparent that, at a critical time, the country needed exactly their civilian expertise within the military ranks. Some were mobilized not long ago through public vacancies in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, while others are still finding their roles in the nation’s defence. Our heroes and heroines confess: the decision to join was frightening and difficult for them as well, yet they could not do otherwise. They have chosen to fight.
For the sake of the future, they have put on pixel camo. And we thank everyone who has made this choice — or will make it soon.
Project Team
Organizers:
StratCom of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Book Arsenal
Mystetskyi Arsenal
Coordinators:
Oleksandr Mykhed
Natalka Stanko
Illustrations:
Mari Kinovych
Architecture:
Serhii Diptan
Valeriia Huievska
Design:
Valeriia Huievska
Anna Harnaha
Texts:
Oleksandr Mykhed
Natalka Stanko
Artem Cherednyk
Yaroslav Zubchenko
Editing:
Oleksandr Stukalo
Video Production:
Military Media Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Video operators: Oleh Tolmachov, Oleksandr Zhuravskyi, Viktor Zhukov
Directors-journalists: Dmytro Kuievda, Mykhailo Novosvitnii, Iryna Puhach
Project manager: Artemii Katkov
Production and Installation of the Exhibition:
Meteor Print