CHIAOZZA is the duo of Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao, artists based in New York City. Their works can be seen in public spaces and galleries across the U.S. — in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and Houston. They've also exhibited in the UK, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, South Korea, China, Mexico, Taiwan, and Japan. In 2017, CHIAOZZA became stars of one of the world’s largest music festivals, Coachella — their massive Chiaozza Garden installation became a signature of the California-based event in Indio. The artists are also known for collaborating with major global brands: they’ve created window displays for Hermès, a capsule collection for IKEA, and installations for Nike, among others.

“We support the cultural mission of Ukraine WOW and are deeply inspired by the work of Maria Prymachenko. It was a great honor and joy for us to study her art and help share her unique vision with a broad, contemporary audience. We are thrilled that this installation will travel the world, introducing people to this important artist,” said CHIAOZZA.

The work consists of seven inflatable sculptures ranging from 3 to 7 meters in height. These reinterpret well-known elements from Prymachenko’s paintings: a red flower, pea pod, tree, sunflower, bird, blue beast, and yellow beast.

The Ukrainian-language audio guide was recorded by Anastasiia Prymachenko, the great-granddaughter of the artist. The installation was based on her stories about Maria Prymachenko and her deep love for all living things.

“Ukrainian businesses must invest in Ukrainian culture, because right now, it’s one of the most powerful forces both inside the country and abroad. We have so much to admire, to be proud of, and so many stories to tell. We were the first to believe in the idea of collaborations between global stars and Ukrainian artists, and we are proud to present this installation, which will also be showcased at the exhibition dedicated to Ukraine,” says Polina Lendel, Brand Director of the Aurora multimarket chain.

Inspired by Maria Prymachenko's art, Aurora has created a limited-edition product line featuring lamps, T-shirts, tote bags, huggable pillows, notebooks, mugs, sticker packs, and tattoo sets. All proceeds from sales will go to support Ukrainian museums. The exclusive collection will be available at Aurora’s flagship store on Kontraktova Square and at the Ukraine WOW exhibition.

The installation at Kontraktova Square will be open to the public from September 8 to 21. After that, some of the sculptures will be included in the interactive Ukraine WOW exhibition opening on September 26 at Kyiv Central Railway Station. The rest will remain on display near the Aurora flagship store on Kontraktova Square. After its run in Kyiv, the project will travel to the United States.

Sculpture Descriptions

Yellow Beast

Prymachenko’s world was filled with surreal beasts shaped by dreams, folk tales, daily life, and the news of her time. One of her favorite motifs was the cow — a symbol of abundance and fertility.

Sunflower

Sunflowers were Maria’s favorite flowers — for their rich, life-affirming color, their bond with the sun, and the nourishment they offer people: seeds and oil. In her world, sunflowers symbolized generosity. She planted them across much of her garden, replacing the more typical village staple, potatoes. Her son, Fedir, continued the tradition by planting sunflowers in her memory.

Pea Plant

Maria often painted peas — inspired by a personal story. Her brother loved growing peas in his garden and planted them every year. For Maria, this climbing, produce-bearing plant became a symbol of family bonds.

Tree

Maria loved orchards, but oak trees held special meaning. To her, they represented strength, health, and eternity. A massive oak still grows near her home — one she planted with her grandson. She believed it provided magical, protective properties.

Bird

Magical birds often appear in Prymachenko’s paintings. In Ukrainian folklore, they symbolize freedom, wisdom, the soul, and serve as messengers between worlds. One of her most famous works features a dove spreading its wings: The dove that spread its wings and wants peace on Earth. The bird seems to shield viewers with its wings — a symbol of protection and hope.

Blue Beast

Prymachenko’s beasts were always guardians — evolving with her over time. The blue color represents her inner emotional world: youthful vulnerability, subtle sensitivity, and a quiet strength. During times of war and hardship, blue is often a symbol of both pain and resilience.

Red Flower

The red flower — usually a poppy — held a special place in Maria’s art. She dedicated it to those who gave their lives protecting others: soldiers, Chernobyl liquidators, and more. In her work, flowers often took on bestial traits — some even had sharp teeth, like her fantastical animals. Each flower was a unique character with its own story.