ART IN TIMES OF WAR I

septiembre 21, 2024

The international scene is suffering from two major conflicts that are affecting the physical and moral integrity of citizens. The Ukrainian and Palestinians instead of falling apart have raised their voices and have used art to go against the conflict, using art as a way of resistance.

(This week the publication will be focused on Ukraine, and the next in Palestine.)

UKRAINIAN ART IN TIMES OF WAR

Before the war, the Ukrainian art was experiencing a huge increase. That was thanks to the more artists and galleries that were emerging. The country was starting to participate in various art events, exhibitions and auctions. The reason of its increase was thanks to digital technologies, social networks and globalisation, succeeding in foreign countries.

Nevertheless, the war is an unpredicted event that had a profound impact on the art community of the country. Artists are talking about a massive cultural disaster. Reason why now artists and the art industry has started playing the role of activists, working on several ways to help their country.

One of the artists that has actively participated in this movement of protest against the war is Oleksandr Prytula. When he was asked he said: "Obviously, soon, I plan to create sculptures and graphics inspired by events that take place literally outside the window. I will try to keep everything in the style inherent in my work before. It's critical, ni my opinion!".

Oleksandr Prytula "Blinded madman", 3D graphics, sculpting

It has been proved that art images have an undeniable force and are an efficient form of communicating powerful messages. Thus, art has become effective for ideological purposes. That is why the street art is the perfect channel to get more visibility. In Odesa, Igor Matroskin draws cats that represent the Ukrainian Army and ordinary people with patriotic symbols.

Igor Matroskin's street art in Odesa. The inscription means: "I believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine"

Since World War II, the countries involved in the war started to preserve their artworks. They understood that art was a need for human culture. That is why totalitarian regimes have tried to go against artists and to control culture. In the Ukrainian war, the Kremlin is destroying museums. Maria Prymachenko was a Ukrainian painter that has become a symbol of the country because of the war. Her works are known as colorful art pieces about the traditions of the country. With the war, the Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum suffered an attack, destroying 25 works of Maria Prymachenko.