It’s called Between the Walls, and it’s a Ukrainian interior design studio founded in 2019 by Andrii Anisimov and Victoria Karieva. Despite its young age, pandemic and war, the studio has already completed more than a hundred projects in Ukraine and abroad. In 2023 it won seven IDA – International Design Awards, including four gold, and two prestigious Architecture Masterprize awards. Their interior designs have been chosen by publications such as Architectural Digest, DeZeen and Elle Decoration, and this year a special collection was created to help displaced people by raising funds for housing: a series of chairs designed (also) to beautify basements used as shelters during the Russian bombing, and designed by local artists.
What was the project’s starting point?
Our goal was to raise awareness of contemporary Ukrainian art and to show that art can fit seamlessly into everyday spaces. Many people see art as something limited to paintings or sculptures, but even a chair can be a work of art. In addition, we wanted to emphasize the importance of basic needs, such as having a place to sit, which has become relevant here with the high number of displaced people.
How did you choose the eight participating artists?
We were looking for people who represented the best of contemporary Ukrainian art. We included well-known names like Anton Sayenko and GamletZinkivskyi, as well as young talents like Tamara Turliun. Each artist brought a unique perspective, from Zinkivskyi, who used the chair to represent resilience in times of war, to Yasya Khomenko, who reused recycled textiles to emphasize the importance of sustainability.
Did the war affect the design of the chairs, especially for use in shelters?
We created an exhibition space reminiscent of an apartment, with light fabric walls to symbolize the precariousness of homes during the war. The chairs, placed in this context, represent not only a functional object, but also a symbol of stability. Including a path leading to a shelter also allowed us to remind everyone of the need to get to safety during air raids.
How do you achieve a balance between functionality and art when designing a chair?
The chairs are designed to be functional, with comfortable backs and a compact design. After ensuring functionality, artists were given the freedom to transform them into works of art. Some are practical, like Khomenko’s, but others are primarily decorative. A unique feature is the cutout for the bags, a detail that reflects the balance between aesthetics and utility.
What was the most significant moment in working with the artists?
The sense of unity was one of the most poignant aspects. And each artist was enthusiastic about the project. This spirit of collaboration created a strong community and demonstrated the power of art to bring people together, even in difficult times.
How was the project received by the public, collectors and other designers?
The project has received strong support both in Ukraine and abroad. In May, we hosted an exhibition at the Avangarden Gallery in Kyiv that attracted the attention of the media, collectors and curators, who were surprised by the originality of turning chairs into works of art. We then organized a fundraising campaign where participants won chairs in exchange for their contributions. In addition to raising funds for the displaced, the collection also sparked important conversations about the intersection of art and design.
What do you think will be the long term impact of this collection and how do you think or hope this project will inspire other designers and artists?
This collection is an important step in thinking about art in times of war. As designers, we believe that buying art supports artists financially and helps preserve our cultural identity, especially in such a difficult time. In Ukraine, cooperation between people has always been crucial. Joining forces among designers, artists, and other creatives also makes us stronger as a community. Globally, we hope that this project will inspire new ideas and collaborative proposals in response to crises such as war, but of course not only.
