Mephistopheles, 2024

Yulian Sukach-Polianetskii  

Yulian Sukach-Polianetskii (born 1964 in Podilsk, Odesa region, Ukrainian SSR, USSR) is a Ukrainian sculptor, multidisciplinary artist, and Orthodox priest. He graduated in 1992 from the Department of Sculpture at the M. B. Grekov Odessa Art School, becoming at the time the youngest member of the Union of Artists of the USSR. Later, he joined the National Union of Artists of Ukraine.

From the outset, his work has been distinguished by a synthesis of spiritual and secular themes, often drawing on mythological and national motifs. In 1994, an encounter with Nobel Prize-winning writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn at the former KGB headquarters in Moscow inspired his renowned series , dedicated to themes of suffering, sacrifice, and repression. During the late Soviet and early post-Soviet years, his works were exhibited internationally in Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Austria, France, the United States, Canada, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Australia. His artistic achievements have been recognized with the state Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky.

In the early 2000s, Yulian paused public exhibitions to focus on spiritual service as a canonical priest of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. After a 20-year break from the art scene, he returned to active creative work in 2024, integrating prayer, spiritual reflection, and artistic expression into a distinctive practice centered on bronze sculpture.

Currently living and working in Kyiv, Ukraine, Yulian creates all his works with the ongoing support of his nephew, Volodymyr Hlazko, who resides in Prague, Czech Republic. All the artworks presented here on the site are part of this collaborative effort and are also located in Prague.

His recent body of work includes notable pieces such as , , , and , created using the traditional lost-wax casting method. Yulian's large-format sculptures can be found in public spaces, including the prominent monument to ATO soldiers in Brovary, Ukraine. He continues to develop his artistic vision, presenting unique works that unite timeless craftsmanship with deeply personal narratives.