MYKHAILO HAVRYLKO: ARTIST-CARVER, POET, PATRIOT

Abstract

The article examines the formation of Mykhailo Havrylko as a national artist, a conscious Ukrainian citizen, the beginnings of his revolutionary activities, his fascination with the creative works and liberating ideas of Taras Shevchenko, and his ardent desire to embody the image of the Kobzar in sculpture. Emphasis is placed on the «burning hatred» of the young artist towards the despised Russian autocracy, his participation in the organization of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen Legion at the beginning of World War I. The cultural and educational work of the sculptor among Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Fraystadt camp is highlighted, as well as his uncompromising stance on national issues, sharp confrontation with Muscovites in their actions and propaganda among the prisoners. The participation of the patriot in combat actions within the ranks of the the Ukrainian Sich Rifl emens, including battles on various fronts in Galicia, as well as his work in the Press Quarter of the Riflemen, is highlighted. His national-conscious work among the population of Volhynia under the auspices of the Bureau of Cultural Aid for the Population of Occupied Territories, his significant contribution to the establishment of Ukrainian schools in the Volhynian region, and subsequent work among the riflemen are revealed. Attention is focused on the carver’s struggle within the ranks of Ukrainian armed formations in defense of Ukrainian statehood in the Naddniprianshchyna region, his establishment of a partisan detachment, and his tragic death in the struggle against the Bolsheviks. Keywords Mykhailo Havrylko, woodcarving, Shevchenkiana, SVU, national-conscious work.