The almanack of Ukrainian creativity during the war.
Telegraf Magazine published an issue that reflects on Russia's war on Ukraine through a range of emotional imagery. Creativity was leveraged as a weapon against the aggressor, and every graphic became not only a symbol, but also a means of resistance.
The issue combined these images with personal wartime stories shared by people in the creative industries. Explosions and smoke, checkpoint intersections between sections. Page numbering starting at 05:00 on February 24, when people began to wake up to the explosions across the country. Air alarms, light masking, a font indicating where to shelter with an arrow.
The design of the Telegraf.Magazine is an attempt to capture the civilian experience of war. Explosions and smoke have become both the informational and visual leitmotif. Smoke serves as a metaphorical curtain that is meant to dissipate and reveal what it has enshrouded all this time.
The cover is deliberately minimalist. However, over the years, this magazine will serve as a window into current events, and windows in times of war are meant to be sealed for safety. All covers are sealed with real ordinary tape, the same kind used by people in cities and villages across Ukraine – another familiar attribute of wartime. Hence, each copy is absolutely unique.
Alongside the war, you can witness the image of the Ukrainian creative community. From the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, every creative individual started doing what they could, showcasing their beliefs through creativity and skills. Each one rose from their place to work towards victory. As the magazine progresses, the portrayal of the community gradually returns to its usual state and comes together to form a collective portrait.
The professional translation of the art book into English includes notes, comments, and extended explanations to allow foreign readers to delve deeper into the context of life during the war, understand the symbols and emotions of Ukrainians.
Created and printed in Ukraine in 2022 during the ongoing war.
Creative Director & Senior Designer: Glib Kaporikov
Designers: Yulia Stroi, Anastasia Shyshenok, Roksana Chychuk, Veronika Sokol
Editor in Chief: Anna Karnauh
Photographer: Natalia Azarkina
Printing: offset printing by Huss
Format: 235x294 mm, 200 pages
Typefaces: NAMU by Dmytro Rastvortsev, Intera by Andriy Konstantynov, Cera Stencil Pro by TypeMates
