The new PIECEOFSHIRT collection was created in collaboration with Ukrainian multidisciplinary artist Yurii ukrgatikula. The designs draw inspiration from the aesthetic of Detroit techno label Underground Resistance (UR) — a symbol of ‘music of resistance, the underground, and inner strength’
About the collection and its design
In a comment for DTF Magazine, ukrgothicula explains that the print designs reimagine the Underground Resistance aesthetic within the Ukrainian context.
The front print, referencing the label’s logo, ‘functions as both a symbol and a message’, while the illustration on the back is complemented by the silhouettes of two Ukrainian soldiers, representing ‘real resistance, strength, and unity’.
‘For us, this is not a literal reference, but rather a cultural dialogue between two forms of resistance that emerged in different times and under different circumstances’, Yurii adds.
The collection includes oversized T-shirts, hoodies, and long sleeves. It is complemented by custom packaging, stickers, limited-edition posters, and postcards featuring film photographs of UR street posters from 2022.
The story behind the print and collaboration
According to ukrgatikula, the idea for the print emerged in the first days of the full-scale invasion as a reflection of his state of mind at the time. The artist was listening to Underground Resistance compilations and tracks, including ‘For Change’ and ‘Interstellar Fugitives’.
He also singles out the track ‘I Am UR’ from the album ‘Electronic Warfare 2.0’, particularly because of the line: ‘I am! UR! We will resist!!’
‘Watching battlefield videos that were going viral online, I couldn’t help but feel that these tracks and the footage of Ukrainian soldiers were merging into a single entity. That’s how the idea for the ‘Ukrainian Resistance’ illustration was born — a project I co-created with my friend, Sokrat Maslov’.
The PIECEOFSHIRT team adds that the idea for a collaboration with Yurii first emerged back in 2023:
‘We’ve been friends with Yurko for quite a long time, and back in 2023 we discussed the idea of collaborating on a merch project. Anyone familiar with our brand understands that this illustration resonates perfectly with our vision and serves as an organic extension of our design universe’.
Items from the ‘Ukrainian Resistance’ collection are available for purchase on the PIECEOFSHIRT website. Twenty percent of the profits from sales will be donated to support the AZOV.ONE foundation.
Read our archived interview with PIECEOFSHIRT founder Reshat Brat
