Vova Vorotniov is a Ukrainian artist who experiments with the language of graffiti and vandalism and explores the boundaries between art and non-art. Against a theoretical background, he manipulates the images of world culture in his works and uses them to create sarcastic and topical statements. He is a member of the De Ne De initiative, which focuses on researching Ukrainian art and architecture from the Soviet era. Vorotniov frequently collaborates with Ukrainian fashion designers and runs his own clothing project Volodia Samopal.

The light-box work “Glückauf” (a traditional slogan of German miners, which translates roughly as “Happy to the mountain”) is a free interpretation of the Saxon arch-lamp (Schwibbogen) and the design of Ukrainian peasant gates. The ancient mining tradition of the Rudni Hory significantly predates the Industrial Revolution and echoes the agrarian cosmogony with its deep folklore.

Light enables photosynthesis in plants and welcomes miners who are lucky enough to get to the surface from the underground. In the 20th century, in addition to traditional coal and iron ore, radioactive uranium became relevant to humanity, raising the question of harmony and responsibility of man to the world around him.