STRETOVYCH PUBLISHING HOUSE X ART STUDIO AGRAFKA
The exhibition features illustrations by Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv from the book Ukrainian Classical Prose: 25 Best Short Stories, which was published by Stretovych publishing house this year.
The collection contains 25 of the most powerful short stories from the canon of Ukrainian literature over the last two centuries. The texts vividly illustrate the writers’ styles and show the diversity of Ukrainian classics. The selected pieces reveal the insights hidden within and between the lines, captivating the reader. They form the basis of the Ukrainian literary tradition that everyone should know.
The book’s editor and contributor to the exhibition’s illustration commentaries is literary scholar Rostyslav Semkiv. He introduces names and texts following the logic of literary generations, drawing our attention to both famous and lesser-known titles.
The extraordinary illustrations and artwork by Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv (from the art studio Agrafka) offer a new interpretation and, indeed, completely change our view of Ukrainian literature.
In one way or another, the framework of each text traces a reference to tradition and folk culture. That is why we drew inspiration from the aesthetics of folk art, particularly the paintwork of folk artists and the symmetry and mirroring found in traditional paper cutouts. Yet, we blend the aesthetic principles of naïve art with Art Deco geometry, decorative Secession style, the vividness of posters, and the modern language of illustration. The collection of texts is framed by ornamental borders. Such decorative elements are reminiscent of the design of books from past centuries, and here they also serve as the book’s navigation system
commented Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv.
The art studio Agrafka is a creative collective and design studio founded by Lviv-based artists and authors Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv, who work in book design and illustration and produce their own book projects. Agrafka’s books have been translated and published in over 30 countries. They are winners of prestigious international awards in book illustration, including the Bologna Ragazzi Award, European Design Awards, Nami Concours, BIB, Best Book Design from all over the World, and many others.
Stretovych is a publishing house that creates books with a positive impact on people’s lives through the knowledge, emotions, and perspectives they offer. Established in Kyiv in 2024, it focuses on in-depth publications on Ukrainian culture and history, practical guides, biographies and memoirs, and fiction across various genres.