WAR AS EXPERIENCE: UKRAINIAN ART AND THE AETHETICAL EXPERIENCE IN TIMES OF RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR

Abstract

The creativity of Ukrainian artists since the beginning of the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war is primarily directed towards the artistic representation of the initial reaction to events that have become a tremendous challenge and shock to society. Their works serve an important purpose in comprehending the experienced and familiar experience for all Ukrainians. Additionally, they contribute to the documentation of this experience in an artistic form. This article will focus on the analysis of the aesthetic subject and the role of aesthetic values in the creativity of Ukrainian artists during the times of the Russian-Ukrainian war. It will also contemplate the role of Ukrainian art in shaping contemporary Ukrainian identity.
The Russian-Ukrainian war continues to the present day. Ukrainian art is currently going through challenging times. However, many Ukrainian artists continue to pursue their craft, creating paintings, poems, music, scripts for theatrical performances, or films. Their works serve as artistic representations of the initial reaction to the war events, which have posed a tremendous challenge and shock to society. Consequently, they play a crucial role in reflecting on the experienced and shared Ukrainian experience, thus primarily serving a therapeutic purpose. Additionally, they contribute to the documentation and preservation of the war experience.
This article focuses on the analysis of the aesthetic subject and the role of aesthetic values in the creativity of Ukrainian artists during the Russian-Ukrainian war. It will also highlight the relationship between aesthetic (artistic) perspectives and the socio-political discourse, which, in the conditions of war, exhibit an even closer connection than usual. Specifically, the role of Ukrainian art in shaping contemporary Ukrainian identity will be contemplated.