Ukrainian-born architect Victoria Yakusha, founder of Yakusha Design and the product brand FAINA, opened the FAINA Gallery in Belgium last year in order to exhibit ‘live design’. The first exposition includes both signature and never-before-seen FAINA objects.
Opened in December 2021, the FAINA Gallery displays ‘live design’ in a historical 500-year-old building in Antwerp, Belgium, showcasing pieces that link earth and Ukrainian traditional craft. Ukrainian-born architect Victoria Yakusha designed the interior of the gallery herself, uniting two spaces by the leitmotif of earth, one of the core elements of her ‘live design‘ philosophy.
In accordance with her philosophy, each piece is a witness to history and emanates the strong spirit of Mother Earth. Primitive and archetypal forms, Ukrainian traditional craft, sustainable materials; all shape the minimalist, yet spirited design language of the brand.
“In Ukraine, we have a strong connection to the earth. She gives strength, guides, and has a magical power to ground,” explains Victoria Yakusha in a press release.
The architect conceived monochrome spaces specifically for her new gallery with one color that explores the depth of hues through different textures, according to her description. In the gallery, one can find hand-sculpted SONIAH lamps stemming from the ground to the organic curves of the PLYN sofa and bench, laying like stones that have been naturally polished by wild waters.
A stainless steel bespoke cabinet displays FAINA ceramics, glass decor and home scents. Like a cabinet de curiosité, it transforms the volume of the space and balances it in texture, acting also as a portal to the next space. The deep black hues of clay, wood, wool and other natural materials of the second room refer to the rich, black soil of Ukraine.
Depicting an old Trypillian symbol of earth, a handwoven tapestry made on an ancient Carpathian loom hovers above a black wooden cabinet running along the wall. Primitively designed, the bespoke cabinet is finished with the holes — a continuing motif of FAINA collections.
Both rooms unite in a serene minimalist interior accentuating texture and revealing the nature of each material and object. A signature finish for the walls was created by Victoria, 12 layers of which add natural depth. The first exposition includes both signature and never-before-seen FAINA objects. Each piece is a looking glass into tradition, cultural heritage and ancestral knowledge taking shape in modern collectible design.
Iconic Bandura vase, inspired by a Ukrainian folk musical instrument, sustainable Ztista series hand-sculpted with a technique employed in traditional Ukrainian dwellings, Kumanec vase, traditional festive pottery revived in modern decor, or the Strikha lighting — an echo of traditional straw-roofs. All harboring the live spirit of Ukraine.
“At FAINA we are driven by the mission to pass on history. We bring artisanal craftsmanship into modern design and revive ancient cultural symbols. Made in a sustainable manner, by hand, primitive archetypal objects tell the story of my land. This is what gives them energy, meaning, soul,” Victoria Yakusha said in a press release.
The architect launched her product design brand in 2014—eight years after founding Yakusha Design, her multidisciplinary studio. The company and the brand have flourished, with FAINA boasting a catalogue of more than 80 design pieces that include furniture, lighting and décor.
The very essence of the brand’s founding links to the architect’s desire to reflect upon the strong social-cultural changes in Ukraine, taking its roots in the country’s cultural heritage and representing modern Ukrainian design. The brand releases two collections a year, during Winter and Summer solstice, days of natural renewal.
In 2018, the brand launched a unique project, a design expedition entitled “Land inspires”, aimed to draw attention to the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine. The following year, Dezeen Awards selected Yakusha Design as one of the 5 best offices in the world, while Victoria Yakusha earned the title of designer of the year by ELLE Decoration Design Award.
Two years before opening the new gallery, Yakusha expanded with a residential showroom of FAINA in Brussels. Now the studio works internationally both on private and commercial projects focusing on live design and sustainable approaches.
