Okhotskyi Andrii - Ukrainian artist

Okhotskyi Andrii - Ukrainian icon painter, artist, master of sacred art, and participant in many international projects aimed at raising funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and humanitarian funds.

Professional Education

He was born in the city of Kremenets (Ternopil region), a spiritual center near the Pochaiv Lavra. He began his artistic journey with a classical art education, graduating from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Kremenets Academy. The artist gained a deep understanding of sacred art in Kyiv, studying at the Theological Academy, where he earned a Master's degree in Theology. The combination of professional artistic skill and thorough theological education determined his future path in icon painting. 

Creative Path, Signature Technique

Andrii began his professional career in 2010, receiving his first commission to paint a church in the Lviv region. This marked the beginning of his serious work in the field of monumental church painting. 

A special stage in the artist's work is connected with the events of the modern war in Ukraine. Okhotskyi Andrii became the first artist to transform spent armor plates (which stopped enemy bullets and saved soldiers' lives) into unique art objects — icons. A so-called 'obereg' (amulet/talisman) in its literal manifestation.

This initiative aims not only at the artistic reinterpretation of the war but also at charity — funds from auctions are directed to aid the army and humanitarian funds.

International Recognition

The works of Okhotskyi Andrii have wide international recognition and are represented in prestigious collections and private gatherings: Louvre Museum (Paris, France). One of the master's works was exhibited in the world-famous museum. 

State Gifts: 

• Icons authored by Okhotskyi Andrii were presented by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to the leaders of partner countries, including the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda.

Private Collections: 

• The artist's works are held in the collections of such well-known individuals as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange WhiteBIT Volodymyr Nosov. 

In his work, Okhotskyi Andrii adheres to ancient icon-painting traditions, using classical materials: gesso (levkas), egg tempera, and gold leaf gilding. At the same time, he bravely experiments with bases for painting images, using both traditional wooden panels, ceramic tiles, and steel armor plates. 

The artist sees his mission in inspiring people to humanity and compassion. Through sacred art, he conveys the idea that even in the darkest of times, faith and mutual support are capable of building a bright future.

Read also:

- Icons on Armor Plates: How Art Heals the Wounds of War and Inspires Struggle

- Solemn awarding of Andrii Okhotskyi with the Order of Saint Andrew the First-Called

- Icon painter Andrii Okhotskyi held a solo exhibition in the USA