During the years 1970–1990, artist, researcher, and collector Ivan Honchar created 18 volumes of the “Ukraine and Ukrainians” album, aiming to capture the historical and cultural identity of various villages, towns, and cities of Ukraine that were disappearing before his eyes. His work was meant to preserve the aesthetic heritage of the Ukrainian nation through a series of photographs depicting folk types, clothing, crafts, customs, architecture, and landscapes.

During the time of Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, the work of Ivan Honchar, completed at the end of the 20th century, became as relevant as ever, and so did the mission of protecting and showcasing the authenticity of Ukrainian life. This publication is to showcase national aesthetics and narrate the visual story of Ukrainians. It brings to bear that Ukraine is not only a country of heroes of the current 2020s, but of the past too. The unique design preserves the original illustrations, calligraphy, and the author’s artistic vision.

The album, published in Ukrainian and English, is meant to become a tool for cultural diplomacy and a driving force spurring the inception of a deep and meaningful dialogue about Ukraine. For Ukrainians, it can become a cultural anchor and an essence of heritage, to remember what we are fighting for and to impel us to defend our cultural heritage and traditions, as well as our right to our own way of life and perception of the future.