Ukrainian artist-ceramicist Serhii Makhno is celebrating his inaugural gallery exhibition currently taking place at Les Ateliers Courbet in New York City. ZEMLYA is a series of large-scale ceramic works, both functional and decorative, that were created in Makhno’s Kyiv studio alongside his team of master artisans. In the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the hindrance of the pandemic, they were somehow able to find ways to gather at the studio to keep creating their work.

bookshelves separated by sculptural Xs and balls

Biblioteka Bookshelves

With ZEMLYA, Makhno has expanded upon the breadth of his work of sculptural lighting and ceramic objets by exploring new scales, forms, and functions. Ongoing conversations with gallery founder Melanie Courbet led to the two developing this series of unique sculptural, functional pieces. Hand-modeled in ceramic and plaster, they mark his first collection of furniture design that uses ceramic.

Evidence of the Japanese Wabi-Sabi aesthetic Makhno favors is evident across all mediums used within the studio. He also pulls from traditional artistic methods, authentic techniques, and natural materials to create objects that live at the intersection of cultural heritage, functional design, and contemporary art.

modern black armchair

Duta Puzata Chair

Since 2003, Makhno’s work has spanned architecture, interior design, sculpture, and objets d’art. In the last 20 years, the studio has become a reflection of the his multidisciplinary vision – housing a ceramic workshop, functional art, and lighting design studio. There, Makhno and his team hand-form each of the ceramic pieces before layering multiple glazes that give the surface a recognizable, highly textured skin.

back of modern black armchair

Duta Puzata Chair

modern floor lamp with large black shade

Khmara Lamp

detail of modern floor lamp with large black shade

Khmara Lamp

modern black armchair

Pyl Chair

back of modern black armchair

Pyl Chair

black slab bench/table

Ulamok Table Bench

detail of black slab bench/table

Ulamok Table Bench

modern black armchair

Syaivo Chair

back of modern black armchair

Syaivo Chair

modern black floor mirror

Vushka Mirror

back of modern black floor mirror

Vushka Mirror

detail of modern black floor mirror

Vushka Mirror

modern black armchair

Vushka Chair

back of modern black armchair

Vushka Chair

To learn more about the ZEMLYA exhibition, visit ateliercourbet.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

Similar Posts