Without Scissors or Templates: How an Artist from Zhytomyr Creates Paintings Using the “Vyryvanka” Technique

Art teacher from Zhytomyr Alla Voloshyna discovered a new form of creativity for herself — “vyryvanka,” a technique of creating pictures from torn pieces of paper without using tools. It combines elements of collage and painting, allowing emotions, stories, and personal feelings to be expressed through shape and color.

This was reported by Suspilne.

From collage to “painting” with paper

The curriculum at the educational institution where Alla Voloshyna worked included the topic of collage. Although she was interested in the technique, over time she wanted to move away from using ready-made images and create something more original.

“I realized that pieces of colored paper are like paints you can use to ‘paint.’ The vyryvanka technique is especially valuable because of its accessibility — ordinary paper is enough for creative self-expression. From simple fragments, like a mosaic, an image takes shape, and the result often exceeds expectations,” said Alla Voloshyna.

How “Vyryvanka” Differs from Vytynanka

Unlike traditional vytynanka, where scissors are used and symmetrical ornaments are often created, “vyryvanka” requires no tools at all. All elements are made by hand — the paper is simply torn.

“Vytynanka is a graphic technique, often based on symmetry, while vyryvanka is closer to painting and complete creative freedom. Of course, before bringing any work to life, regardless of the material, it must first take shape in the imagination. When creating a vyryvanka, the laws of composition and color apply, but the most important things are feelings and sensations. Interestingly, a picture made in this technique cannot be exactly repeated or copied: each work is unique and exists as a single original,” explained Alla Voloshyna.

Materials Inspire Ideas

To create her works, the artist uses various types of printed materials: old magazines, posters, and advertising brochures. Sometimes the paper itself suggests the theme of a future picture.

“For example, when pages from a brochure with images of carpets and embroidery came into my hands, I felt that these were things carrying the energy of the Ukrainian people through the centuries. That was when the image of Berehynia appeared in my imagination,” said Alla Voloshyna.

Through Art — About History and Pain

According to Alla Voloshyna, any image can be created using the vyryvanka technique, but she feels the strongest emotions when working on pieces dedicated to the history of Ukraine.

“In particular, the pictures ‘War’ and ‘Hunger’ were created in one breath — the pieces of paper seemed to come together into complete images on their own,” the artist recalled.

Viewers’ Reactions and the Simplicity of the Technique

The first viewers of Alla Voloshyna’s works were her students. According to the artist, their sincere emotions became the most valuable appreciation for her.

“What was especially pleasant for me was that my first viewers, my students, felt what I wanted to convey. Their sincere emotions are priceless to me,” said the teacher.

According to Alla Voloshyna, technically, vyryvanka is accessible to everyone.

“Vyryvanka is a very simple way to bring creative ideas to life: all you need is paper, glue, and the desire to create. The technique is known, but not very widespread. Perhaps that is because the hardest part is conveying not only an image, but also feelings and emotions,” said the artist.

For the artist, vyryvanka once became a discovery of new creative possibilities, and now she gladly shares its basic techniques with others.

“I held workshops for the wives of military personnel, and they were genuinely delighted with the results of their work. Children are a particularly special audience for me. For them, vyryvanka is proof that there are no limits in creativity. I dream that my students, whose eyes filled with tears when I spoke about my work ‘Hunger,’ will always remember that creativity helps us live, remember, and make the world better — and that great money is not needed for this,” said Alla Voloshyna.

Earlier, Suspilne reported that Alla Voloshyna has been engaged in icon painting for more than 20 years. Her creative portfolio includes around 800 icons. The artist not only follows all the canons of traditional iconography, but also adds something new and modern, which gives her icons a distinctive personal style. In an interview with Suspilne, Alla Voloshyna spoke about the symbolism and features of icon painting, the ritual of preparing to paint an icon, and explained whether every artist can become an icon painter.