Vladimir Manzhos. WAONE: Worlds of Phantasmagoria, Vol. 1
- Book review by Brooklyn Street Art
- Martha Cooper Library
- MCL
- December 19, 2025
WAONE: Worlds of Phantasmagoria, Vol. 1. Vladimir Manzhos. 2020
Worlds of Phantasmagoria, Vol. 1 is a comprehensive exploration of the monochromatic works of Ukrainian artist Vladimir Manzhos, known as WAONE. Spanning the years 2013 to 2020, this 208-page hardcover book provides a chronological view of his artistic evolution. It highlights his transition from large-scale, colorful murals in public spaces to intricate black-and-white compositions created in the studio.
The book features a range of works, including murals, ink drawings, etchings, and lithographs, each accompanied by detailed narratives from the artist. These descriptions provide insight into WAONE’s creative process and the philosophical themes that underpin his work. Drawing inspiration from mythology, folklore, science, and personal introspection, his pieces weave together surreal imagery with symbolic depth.
With the aesthetics of a musty and mythical library, the illustrations open the preconceptions of psychology, offering myriad views through recombining familiar elements into unusual associations. In the process, you travel with Waone as he dedicates himself to this uncolorful view, which is nonetheless rich, if not tinged with a bit of antiseptic horror.
Among the standout works is Apple of Discord (2020), which depicts a fetal figure floating through the cosmos. The piece serves as a meditation on ego and existential transformation, exemplifying WAONE’s interest in the interconnectedness of life and the cosmos. Other works in the book reflect his engagement with mysticism and his reinterpretation of familiar symbols to craft imaginative and thought-provoking narratives.
WAONE, born in 1981 near Kyiv, began his artistic career in graffiti as part of the Ingenious Kids crew in the late 1990s. He co-founded the mural duo Interesni Kazki with Aleksei Bordusov (AEC) in 2005, creating brightly colored, surrealist murals that appeared in cities worldwide. After their collaboration ended, WAONE embarked on a solo journey, refining his style and focusing on monochromatic works that blend traditional techniques with modern themes.
This self-published book is limited to 1,500 copies and is a document of WAONE’s artistic journey, offering readers a window into his symbolic and richly detailed universe. For those interested in contemporary art, mythology, or surreal visual storytelling, Worlds of Phantasmagoria, Vol. 1 is both captivating and enlightening.
Text: Steven P. Harrington und Jaime Rojo Fotos: Eveline Wilson