Miami, December 6-10, 2023 — Ukrainian architect and designer Victoria Yakusha, winner of the best booth at Design Miami/Basel 2022, presents her limited collection "Earth of Light" in Miami.
This extraordinary collection was born in dark times—at the beginning of full-scale war, when external supports crumbled, and one had to rely solely on their own strength. Victoria Yakusha unveiled her inner light, creating a collection that symbolizes strength and belief in goodness in times when they are needed most.
"I was seeking support. It was a moment when your world crumbles, everything you've built is falling apart. You come to the realization that you can only rely on yourself. Once you find even a glimmer of light within yourself, it begins to grow. When the light within you is full, you start illuminating the path for others. United, the Earth of Light is born," commented Victoria.
"Earth of Light" is a collection of guides that help navigate through the darkness. Each creature has its unique superpower:
- Skyneck: With a long neck, it sees beyond the clouds and helps discern dreams.
- Multinix: Accelerates processes, eliminates fears, and nudges towards action.
- Sunback: Fills with joy and tranquility, providing a sense that everything will be fine.
- Longear: Listens to your thoughts and helps separate them from social pressure.
To make these creatures fulfill their function, interaction is required: love, touch, and belief.
"I tried to materialize the idea that in dark times, we can only rely on the light within ourselves. Only this light will help us remain human when evil is so actively manifesting itself in the world," adds Victoria Yakusha.
Victoria Yakusha remains true to environmentally friendly, 100% natural materials. In 2018, Yakusha developed her signature material, ZTISTA. It is an innovative blend of cellulose, clay, flax fiber, wood chips, and biopolymer coating. All these components allow for a closer connection to nature. The material is fully compostable in moist soil.
As part of Design Miami, Victoria Yakusha will participate in the discussion 'Healing Through Design' on Friday, December 8, from 14:00 to 15:00 at the Discussion Theatre. Under the guidance of Design Miami Curator Anna Carnick, the discussion will also include ceramicist Andile Dyalvane and designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello.
Victoria Yakusha is a Ukrainian artist, heritage architect, designer, and the creator of the 'living minimalism' trend, serving as an ambassador for Ukrainian design globally. She is the founder of the architectural studio Yakusha, the FAINA brand for object design, and the FAINA Gallery of Ukrainian design in Antwerp.
Victoria was named the Designer of the Year by Elle Decoration Ukraine in 2019 and received the People's Choice award for the best emerging design studio at the Dezeen Awards 2021. In 2022, she won the Best Curio Exhibition of the Year at Design Miami/Basel.
In 2022, the Yakusha studio joined the program for the restoration of affected cities in Ukraine, developing a concept for the development and reconstruction of Chernihiv.
Victoria Yakusha also presented the concept of the Maria Prymachenko Museum Complex, titled 'The Path of Maria.' This concept was showcased at an exhibition of the artist's works at Saatchi Gallery in London and the Ukrainian House (September 2022).
