Andrej Babenko, a Belgian artist of Ukrainian descent, is a painter whose work transcends boundaries, blending raw emotional expressiveness with a complex layering of existential and mythological themes. His art is exhibited in esteemed museums across Europe, the UK, and Ukraine, and is held in private collections worldwide, from the United States and Japan to Australia. Babenko’s artistic journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of storytelling through a distinctive fusion of styles and techniques.

A Life Shaped by History and Art
Babenko’s formative years were steeped in the influence of Soviet propaganda, where socialist realism dominated the artistic landscape. However, even as a child, he sought refuge in art, excelling in painting, drawing, and lino-cutting. His artistic curiosity led him to experiment with various mediums, including photography and mixed media, even as he navigated the constraints of his Soviet upbringing.

The artist’s life took a dramatic turn in 1986 when the Chornobyl disaster forced his family to temporarily relocate to North Ossetia. There, he found inspiration in the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, capturing his experiences in countless sketches. However, conflict and societal expectations marked his youth, reinforcing his sense of being an outsider. His travels through Russia and Ukraine further shaped his artistic vision, culminating in his eventual migration to Belgium, where he honed his craft and embraced a diverse, innovative artistic approach.
An Expressive and Layered Oeuvre
Babenko’s art defies strict categorization, as he seamlessly integrates classical painting techniques with grunge elements and modern graffiti influences. His works are strikingly expressive, often depicting distorted figures caught in a state of perpetual motion. His paintings demand careful observation, revealing layers of symbolism and meaning that challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.
His artistic style reflects a synthesis of Ukrainian mythology and Western intellectual concepts. Through his work, Babenko explores existential themes, questioning the cyclical nature of history, the survival of individuals in a fast-paced economic world, and the increasing rarity of peace and privacy. Despite these heavy themes, he employs light as a powerful metaphor for hope and resilience, ensuring that his work carries a sense of optimism amid its depth and complexity.
A Career Rooted in Passion and Recognition
After settling in Belgium, Babenko established himself as a distinguished artist, working with Opera Ballet Flanders, where his paintings and drawings became an integral part of the institution’s visual identity. His ability to capture raw emotion and humanity resonated deeply, leading to his work being featured in prestigious collections and sold at charity galas.
Babenko’s contributions extend beyond traditional exhibitions. He has participated in multidisciplinary projects, collaborating with musicians, poets, and scholars, including Mauro Pawlowski, Dirk De Wachter, and Aleksey Gorbunov. His works have been displayed at renowned institutions such as S.M.A.K., Dr. Guislain Museum, and M HKA, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in contemporary art.
Art as a Reflection of Humanity
Throughout his career, Babenko has remained an observer of human nature, critiquing societal hypocrisies and the unrealistic pursuit of perfection in a digitalized world. His work challenges artificiality, advocating instead for a deeper sense of humanity. His personal experiences—both of alienation and resilience—are transformed into universal narratives that invite viewers to reflect on their own existence.
Despite his success, Babenko remains a restless creative force. The onset of the war in Ukraine brought new turmoil to his life, compelling him to embark on his largest piece to date—a six-meter-wide painting driven by his grief, anxiety, and longing for his homeland. In this process, he reaffirmed the power of art as both a sanctuary and a means of confronting reality.
Hans Willemse, a collection editor at the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp, aptly describes Babenko’s work: “What is special about his work is the striking synergy of styles and cultures. He mixes spray cans and oil paint, combines punk with jazz, and creates wild compositions with classical patterns. He is East and West, past and present, and slightly ahead of time.”
The Evolution of Technique and Style
Over the years, Babenko has continuously evolved his artistic approach. From early underground-inspired works to more refined and systematically structured compositions, his development has been marked by an unrelenting pursuit of artistic excellence. His materials range from traditional oil and acrylic paints to gouache, watercolor, ink, and even graffiti spray cans, demonstrating his versatility and willingness to push artistic boundaries.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Babenko revisited classical Russian drawing and painting techniques, refining his craft with an almost monastic dedication. He meticulously prepared canvases using traditional methods, employing gelatin and pigment to create rich textures. His intricate use of interlocking primitive geometric figures and golden ratio principles brought a newfound depth to his compositions. By layering tempera, watercolor, and oil glaze techniques, he achieved an unparalleled vibrancy in his work, finishing with contemporary elements like spray paint and varnish. This unique blend of old and new results in paintings that exude both historical depth and modern energy.
A Legacy in Motion
Listed in the Artist Database and the Belgian Professional Artist Registry, Babenko’s work continues to shape the contemporary art landscape. His paintings are not merely visual spectacles but experiences—each canvas pulsating with emotion, memory, and profound existential inquiry. As long as there is light, Babenko will continue to create, offering a compelling vision of the world that resonates with audiences today and for generations to come.
Babenko’s ability to merge mythology, philosophy, and raw human experience into a single canvas makes him a visionary artist of our time. His work does not merely depict reality—it dissects, questions, and reimagines it. He paints not just what he sees but what he feels, inviting the viewer into a world where chaos and beauty coexist.
For a deeper insight into his work, visit his portfolio or explore his AI-generated video portfolio crafted by his younger brother in Kyiv.