The Graphic Legacy of Oleksandr Bogomazov: General Overview and Artist’s Notes in Some Thoughts on Graphics

Abstract

The study presents a general overview of the graphic work and the publication of theoretical notes about the graphics of the Ukrainian artist O. K. Bohomazov. There are features of graphic works in different periods of creativity, which are noted, there are stylistic features of works of different periods,which are analyzed. Graphic works give an opportunity to trace all stylistic changes and identify reference points in the evolution of the artist’s work. Sketches allow to trace the stages of work on the creation of picturesque easel paintings.  The graphic heritage of O. Bohomazov is really diverse. There are characteristic symbolist motifs and plots, which can be traced in the early graphics. Magazine graphics of 1908-1912 provide samples of the Art Nouveau style. In the works of this period, the line gives the picture maximum decorativeness. Fascination with color linocut gave the artist the opportunity to experiment with changing the psychological state of objects depending on the color change. At the turn of 1912-1913, a radical stylistic change takes place in O. Bohomazov’s work: the generalized decorativeness and linear rhythms of the modern style give way to the dynamics of futurism. While working at the Kyiv Art Institute in 1922–1930, Oleksandr Bohomazov taught painting and drawing as formal and technical disciplines. He taught in his educational programs the physical and psychological properties of colours and their interaction. The graphics of the late period of the artist’s work acquired a neo-realistic objectivity in the spirit of "New objectivity" (Die Neue Sachlichkeit).