ACTIVITIES OF UKRAINIAN ARTISTS IN INTERWAR CZECHOSLOVAKIA AS AN ELEMENT OF CULTURAL DIPLOMACY (ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE UKRAINIAN STUDIO OF PLASTIC ARTS)

Alina Kucher,

Master’s student,

Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine

 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/2524-048X.2025.30.7

 

Abstract. The article aims to explore the activities of Ukrainian artists who emigrated to Czechoslovakia during the interwar period of 1918–1939, specifically evaluating their contribution to the development of the Ukrainian Studio of Plastic Arts and determining the role of this institution in forming a positive national image abroad. The article also seeks to highlight biographical information about the artists who worked in various areas, namely, in the departments of art history and graphics of applied art of the Ukrainian Studio of Plastic Arts, with an emphasis on the issue of preservation of national identity in the context of the diaspora experience.

The research methodology is based on a comprehensive analysis of historical, cultural, and biographical data. Particular attention is paid to studying the organizational structure of the Studio, as well as the activities of artists involved in various direction in the study and development of artistic practices. Сomprehensive descriptive, scientific, and analytical (general scientific) methods have been applied. In particular, the biographical method allowed a deeper understanding of the context of the creative activities of artists of the Ukrainian Studio of Plastic Arts during the specified period.

The scientific novelty of the work lies in the analysis of the artists’ main activities prior to their emigration and during their time in Prague, as well as in the examination of their contribution to the Ukrainian Studio of Plastic Arts, particularly in the context of the development of its departments. The author emphasizes the importance of the artists’ work in strengthening the national prestige of Ukrainians in Czechoslovakia.

Conclusions. As a result of the study, the author concludes that the interwar period from 1918 to 1939 saw a mass emigration of Ukrainians, driven by political repression and social injustices, which forced part of the population to seek refuge abroad. The presence of Ukrainians in Czechoslovakia was perceived as a positive phenomenon by local officials, as evidenced by financial support from state institutions. This factor became a new impetus for the development of the Ukrainian community and gave it hope for further progress. Despite the challenges of adaptation, the loss of property and relatives, artists sought to rebuild their future, dedicating all their efforts to creative and pedagogical work, which often operated in close synergy. The Ukrainian Studio of Plastic Arts has become a new center for the shelter and development of artistic potential, providing decent living standards. It was highlighted that different departments of the Studio were focused on supporting cultural diplomacy and promoting “soft power” abroad. Despite the episodic interruptions of Ukrainian statehood, Ukrainian people continued to be perceived by Czech state officials as an independent nation. Therefore, such recognition plays a crucial role in the context of cultural support.

The analysis shows that Ukrainian culture may have had a stronger national character than a creative one. However, it was emphasized on behalf of the Studio that everyone had the right to make their own choice in this regard. In addition, not all members of the Studio were of Ukrainian origin, meaning that not all of them were motivated by a strong sense of national passion.

Scientists from diaspora and Ukrainian scholars have examined the history of the Studio, although fully uncovering certain biographical data remains largely unexplored.

Keywords. Ukrainian diaspora, art, culture, self-identification, Czechoslovakia, the Ukrainian Studio of Plastic Arts, USPA.

 

Submitted 05.01.2025

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