Some days ago, when I was writing an article comparing the destruction of Ukrainian cities with the bombing of Guernica, the horrible event that inspired Picasso to paint one of the most notable paints of all history, my previous searches conducted to a curious image related to Ukraine:
That was a "doodle", a fun, free and spontaneous play with Google's logo the company usually adopt at the header of their portal in special events like birthday of famous scientists or important celebrations around the world. Google never failed on remember the Independence Day of Ukraine, every 24th of August. Their tribute to our country is a source of big pride for us and every year we expect for the next one with anxiety.
The image above is the "doodle" of 2017 in our 26th anniversary. It impressed me how this wonderful piece of art looked like Guernica while having the completely opposite meaning, representing our diversity, our happiness and elements of our culture. In the words of the artist Sergiy Maidukov:
"the image is meant to invoke happiness and show different people from across the country working together toward โfreedom, peace and respect for each other. Ukraine has a reason to be proud, to meet each other, learn about each other, sing and laugh together, and celebrate.โ
It's incredible how two artworks could have the sharpest opposite meanings while having some plastic elements that could be related in some way.
Coming back to the "doodles", Google honored our Independence Day in 2021 with this one, remembering our cossack ships:
In 2020, with our omnipresent sunflowers:
In 2019, making a tribute to our traditional handicraft:
And there are many more. Highlight to the 2013 "doodle", my personal favourite:
As a graphic designer, despite my lack of practice at this moment on the creation of logos or commemorative designs, I tried to develop two options to be sent to Google this year. I still feel I can improve a bit, but we have a little less than one month to our next Independence Day and I'm sure Google will take care to launch the most impressive "doodle" for Ukraine they ever made.
Please, dear Google, if it's around your taste, let me know and I can make some improvements. I think I used your old typoface, but I can manage that.
Please, dear friends, help me on making this reach Google in some way.
Thank you very much. Slava Ukraini!