MILITARY IMAGE OF A UKRAINIAN MAN IN THE 1945–1989 GRAPHIC DESIGN OF THE DIASPORA

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to identify the peculiarities of a Ukrainian Man visual representation in the 1945–1989 graphic design of the Ukrainian diaspora. The methodology of this research is based on iconographic and semiotic analysis, as well as the application of gender studies approach. Graphic design is discussed as visual communication, methods of the «new art history» were applied. In  the  circles  of  post-war Ukrainian emigration, the spirit of general mobilization and readiness for the struggle for the liberation of Ukraine was spreading; therefore, the image of a Ukrainian Man in visual  communication  was  mainly associated with armed struggle. Images of an Ancient Rus’ Warrior, a Cossack, a Sich
Rifleman  accompanied  a  narrative  about the continuity of this struggle for centuries. At  the  same  time,  allegorical  pseudo-religious  images  spread,  where  Ukrainian liberation was treated as a «holy» struggle.
The  most  common  and  semantically flexible  was  the  Cossack image.  It  could remind a concrete historical period, denote all the fighters for the freedom of Ukraine or  embody  all  the  Ukrainians.  Over  time,
when  the  idea  of  armed  struggle  lost  its relevance,  militaristic  images,  as  well  as men’s  images  in  general,  becam  less common.
The  scientific  novelty  is  defined  by  a little-known  material  as  well  as  the connections  between  ideological constructions and visual communication. Practical  significance.  The  research reveals  the  contexts  and  explains  the iconography  of  militaristic  images  of
Ukrainians  in  graphic  design  of  the diaspora  from  1945–1989.  This  will  allow for appropriate generalizations regarding a visual representation of Ukrainian identity.