The Problem of Synthesis of Arts in the Context of the Development of Modern Ukrainian Painting on the Levkas.

Abstract

Levkas painting is one of the most interesting contemporary art practices in Ukraine in the 21st century. It has great potential for creating of qualitatively and aesthetically new works and meanings. Today, we can observe the spread of levkas not only in the field of modern religious painting, but also among artists of other directions not only in Ukraine but also abroad. Levkas, as a structural component of the easel painting in the context of “synthesis of arts” acquires new qualities and meanings. The article considers the main interpretations of the concept of “synthesis of arts”, analyzes the main ways of combining arts by the criterion of integrating forces, identifies the main complicating factors, among which the main are: erroneous kinship and substantive diversity of terminology, insufficient research of the problems of synthesis in the context of painting on levkas. Also, the present study revealed the main characteristics of modern painting on levkas formation process, namely: partial loss of the sacred component and the formation of new stylistic, genre and technical-technological “canons”, the emergence of numerous replications based on the wide range of analog materials in the art market, finding new means of exposition and representation. In the course of the work the newest technical and stylistic means of artistic expression were established, which became the main tool in the process of modernization of levkas technique by synthesis, namely: the latest combinations of materials, options for expanding of levkas functions. Prospects for further research may include the following issues: consideration of the reasons for modernization of traditional painting on levkas, comparative analysis of the latest levkas mixtures, typology of existing works on levkas according to certain criteria and analysis of regional and chronological differences in modern levkas painting.