Art of Sculpture and Its Development in Ukraine (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

Abstract

The article explores the peculiarities of the development of sculptural art in Ukraine at the end of the 20th – the beginning of the 21st century. It is determined that the development of the art of sculpture in modern Ukraine is characterized by genre diversity and an active dialogue between manifestations of non-traditionalism and the latest sociocultural phenomena and processes. Contemporary artistic practice indicates high professionalism of domestic sculptors and logical integration of their work in the European and global cultural and artistic processes. The interest of artists in the phenomenon of the subconscious is combined with an intensified interest in folklore, ancient Eastern religions, and laughter culture of different peoples. Neoarchaic sculptors are actively applying the artistic language and images of the ancient sculpture.It is concluded that the late 20th – early 21st century saw the creative activation of sculptors from different regions of Ukraine and the ongoing formation of their artistic centers. Traditional became the holding of the All-Ukrainian triennial exhibitions, launched in 1999 by the National Union of Artists of Ukraine. Since 2006, the practice of sculptural life has included grand expositions of sculptural salons and other competitions proving artistic skillfulness. The practice of traditional sculptural symposia becomes more diverse. Exhibitions of sculptural compositions of artists from all over Ukraine represent the objective distribution of creative forces and demonstrate the establishment of new sculptural centers and schools, along with leading masters of sculptural art in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv.