Using the Image of V.M. Shukshin in the Image-forming Policy of the Altai Territory (1976-2021)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the use of the image of the famous writer, actor, director V.M. Shukshin (19291974) in the formation and promotion of the image of the Altai Territory by the regional authorities. The authors consider the image of V.M. Shukshin as one of the important elements of the personalized image of the Altai Territory, designate the place of V.M. Shukshin among other iconic figures associated with the region. Contradictory trends in the interpretation of the image of the writer, which have manifested themselves in the period from the second half of the 70s of the last century to the present, are noted. "Nomination" V.M. Shukshin as a symbol of the Altai Territory happened largely "from below", when the writer's fellow countrymen saw in his heroes — "freaks" — themselves, ordinary villagers. Further inclusion of the personality of V.M. Shukshin in the process of image-making of the Altai Territory was associated with the need to form a recognizable image of the region, and in this regard, the figure of V.M. Shukshin met certain criteria well, had recognition and popularity not only in the region, but also far beyond its borders. Political “conjuncture” periodically affected the interpretations of the writer’s image: his assessments ranged from “a faithful son of the party” to “critic of the Soviet regime”. However, in general, now in the image of Shukshin both the image of the beautiful nature of Altai and the ideas of ordinary people of the Altai “outback”, full of sincerity and love for their small Motherland, have merged.