The Artistic Journey of GORN Ceramics

This article is a part of our Design special section, celebrating the deep appreciation for handmade objects. In late August of 2020, a remarkable installation emerged in a serene corner of the Saint-Sophia of Kyiv conservation area, a sprawling 12-acre museum complex that proudly houses the historic Saint-Sophia Cathedral, which has stood for over a millennium. This installation, titled “Shadows,” featured eight enigmatic humanoid statues crafted from clay and copper. Each sculpture, devoid of facial features and resembling ghostly figures, stood firmly on cylindrical bases and was the brainchild of Yuriy Myrko, a co-founder of GORN Ceramics in Kyiv, created for the annual Bouquet Kyiv Stage Festival.

“The custodians of the cathedral were so captivated by the sculptures that they proposed to keep them on display,” shared Bogdan Kryvosheya, 30, who co-founded GORN alongside Mr. Myrko, 41, and serves as the studio’s creative director. “What was initially intended as a week-long exhibition transformed into a nearly three-year-long presence for the sculptures.”

Transformational Impact of “Shadows”

“Shadows” represented a significant turning point for GORN, which had primarily focused on producing utilitarian items such as vases and bowls up to that point. The figures encapsulated profound themes surrounding human relationships, mortality, and spirituality. Following their debut, GORN has continued to explore the creation of emotionally resonant art pieces while also maintaining a line of practical ceramics. The studio’s output has been deeply influenced by the ongoing war with Russia, which has added layers of complexity to their work, symbolizing creative freedom and resilience amidst unimaginable adversity.

Founding of GORN Ceramics

Mr. Kryvosheya and Mr. Myrko first crossed paths in 2017, and in collaboration with a third partner, Sasha Mychak, they established GORN in 2018. Their vision was to produce ceramic tableware that not only showcased their artistry but also featured designs from various local artists. This initiative has since blossomed into a meaningful embodiment of creativity and cultural expression.

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