Tryzub (Ukrainian Trident)

Unique Screenprint - Mono-print series of 120

15 x 22”/ 38 x 55cm

300gsm Sommerset cotton rag

Handprinted at X-Cottage, UK

WHAT IS A MONO-PRINT?
Each print in this edition is completely unique. I started by painting 8 images of the Tryzub (Ukrainian Trident) inspired by images I’ve been collecting of the symbol’s many iterations in its 1000+ year history. From these paintings, I burned directly to screens for a one to one ratio (no computers were used in this analogue printmaking process). Each screen was then printed in a variety of colors and layered one upon another, yielding 120 completely unique prints. 

ABOUT THIS PRINT EDITION
The Tryzub is the first symbol I remember deeply connecting to - it hung in my house the way some people might honor a religious symbol and I understood from an early age that it held great value for my family and for others in the Ukrainian diaspora. It was everywhere - above the door, on my father’s ring, at every Ukrainian home and establishment. I was taught that its origin was derived from the seal of King Volodymyr the Great in 980AD, but there’s evidence of it being even older than that. I wore it proudly on my Ukrainian Scouting (PLAST) uniform and I would draw it over and over on all of my notebooks in school. I was fascinated with logos - what later turned into tags - and this was the very first one that really mattered to me. How could a simple shape hold so much power - I often wondered. I tried turning the letters of my name into 2 overlapping anarchy “A’s”, once I discovered punk rock, but the Tryzub has stayed with me throughout. I’ve painted it in various forms, on huge walls all over the world and as smaller paintings. I even have it tattooed over my heart in the center of my chest.

In my lifetime and in the lives of my forefathers, rzzia has always posed a great threat to Ukraine’s independence, but it wasn’t until February 22, 2022 that the whole world finally took notice. The Tryzub has now become instantly recognizable to symbolize freedom, as it somewhat looks like a bird in flight.

I have made this print series to honor this powerful symbol and to further celebrate my Ukrainian heritage. For anyone who has ever questioned Ukraine’s identity or autonomy (or its right to be free), I present to you the Tryzub as proof that Ukraine is real. It exists and it will always exist. And this is a very beautiful thing.

With this print, I will raise money to help Ukraine maintain its independence and to plant the seeds of the future. A percentage of the proceeds will go to support stuff: Razom For Ukraine, and will be used as direct aid to those in need and to help support and sustain Ukrainian artists and allies. 

Thank you for your support. 

СЛАВА УКРАЇНІ!