FIGURATIVE AND STYLISTIC FEATURES OF GRAPHICS BY VYACHESLAV VASKIVSKY

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this article is to highlight the peculiarities of the visual language of the Polish-Ukrainian graphic artist Viacheslav (Wacław) Vaskivskyi (1904–1975) as a multiplicity of manifestations of the artist's value semantic orientations. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive approach employing methods such as historical-typological, figurative, compositional, and stylistic analysis of the artist's surviving creative heritage. Through comparative analysis, with the introduction of the cultural and historical context, the vectors and nature of communication formation in the artistic environment of the Polish-Ukrainian graphic artist are determined. Results. This research identifies the main cultural and aesthetic dominants of V. Vaskivskyi's work; it structures the factors and stages of the artist's professional development. In several analyzed graphic works, individual influences are traced, which, in turn, allows for a more detailed examination of the multiplicity and diversity of communications in the Warsaw artistic environment. Attention is focused on the works of V. Vaskivskyi, which to a greater or lesser extent represent Polish-Ukrainian cultural interaction. Conclusions. Despite the complex historical circumstances and tragic events, including the loss of a significant portion of his artistic heritage, Vyacheslav Vaskivskyi managed to realize himself as an artist and educator. His works from the 1930’s to 1960’s define the boundaries of high professionalism and, in some cases, visualize interesting individual examples of mutual influences between Ukrainian and Polish art. Ukrainian themes resonate most vividly and exquisitely in the Cossack symbolism of V. Vaskivskyi's ex-libris works, balancing between the categories of the heroic and the ironic. It is concluded that the drama-filled graphic series "Warsaw Cycle" became a powerful anti-war manifesto in Polish art, and the beautiful, emotionally charged landscapes, which poeticize primarily rural or small-town authenticity, remain a significant contribution to both Polish and Ukrainian graphic art. Vyacheslav Vaskivskyi's creative legacy is currently undervalued, especially in the cultural studies aspect, and therefore holds promising potential for a separate, comprehensive scientific study.