FEATURES OF HUMAN IMAGE FORMATION IN UKRAINIAN PERIODICAL PUBLICATIONS OF LVIV DURING THE INTERWAR PERIOD OF THE 20TH CENTURY IN THE CONTEXT OF ART DECO STYLISTICS

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the study of the human image in the graphics of Ukrainian periodicals from interwar Lviv. It examines the artistic solutions and compositional features of graphics in newspapers and magazines, both in the internal structure of the publication and on its cover.Research Objective: The aim of the study is to identify and analyze the compositional and figurative characteristics of graphic art with stylistic features of Art Deco, with particular focus on approaches to depicting the human figure within the structure of Ukrainian periodicals published in Lviv during the interwar period of the 20th century.Research Methodology: The methodology of the study incorporates both general scientific and specialized methods.In the analysis of literature and empirical material, synthesis, comparative, and typological methods served as the primary approaches. To identify figurative and compositional characteristics, the study employed compositional analysis, visual- graphic analysis, as well as comparative and descriptive methods.Scientific Novelty: The scientific novelty of the research lies in a comprehensive analysis of Ukrainian periodicals published in Lviv during the interwar period of the 20th century, specifically in the exploration of the compositional principles underlying the portrayal of the human figure in graphic works exhibiting features of the Art Deco style. The study examines key strategies of human representation, as well as the principles, tools, and techniques employed in the creation of graphic compositions based on anthropomorphic motifs. Conclusions: Based on compositional analysis, the following methods of interpreting the human image are highlighted: the use of an athletic and slender physique; geometric wavy lines with rounded angles that followed a clear geometric structure, distinct silhouette-spots maintaining proportions, exaggeration of certain body parts: length of legs, neck, or waist in female images, but without disrupting the overall silhouette configurations; a tendency towards geometrization of form. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the role of compositional techniques and means used to create the human image and establish visual contact between the graphics in periodicals and the recipient of the visual message. It was found that graphics with features of Art Deco style are legible, characterized by restrained ornamentation, and are easily and quickly perceived due to the use of simple and clear forms, silhouette generalization, preservation of anthropomorphic features and proportions, along with the ability for effective hyperbolization of certain body parts. In this way, simple means such as rhythm and contrast, the use of monochrome spots, stimulate the viewer’s attention and create lasting impressions in memory, while the reproduction of advertising graphics of the same type across different publications with periodic repetition reinforces these images in memory. The perspective for further research on image creation in Ukrainian periodicals from interwar Lviv lies in studying the features of form creation of zoomorphic and bionic motifs in this type of graphics within the context of Art Deco stylistics, utilizing the main principles in scientific research on visual design and art history.