THE ARCHETYPE OF THE TREE OF LIFE AS A UNIVERSAL SYMBOLIC STRUCTURE : PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS AND ARTISTIC INTERPRETATIONS IN CONTEMPORARY ART

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyze the archetype of the Tree of Life as a universal symbolic model and to identify the patterns of its transformation in contemporary art, particularly in sculpture, through the prism of artistic and plastic form-making. Research methodology. The study is based on a комплекс theoretical, comparative, and artistic-plastic analysis. The theoretical method made it possible to generalize philosophical and art historical approaches to the interpretation of archetypes and symbols. The comparative method was used to examine the transformations of the Tree of Life image in different cultural contexts. The artistic-plastic analysis enabled the identification of specific features of form-making in sculpture, including rhythm, branching structure, interaction of mass and space, and material texture.
Results. It has been established that the archetype of the Tree of Life functions as a structural invariant of artistic thinking, representing the hierarchy of being and the interconnection between sacred and profane levels. The transformation of this image from mythological representations to contemporary artistic practices has been revealed.
It is determined that in sculpture the archetype is realized through the plastic organization of form, rhythm of branching, and material characteristics, which together create a multi-layered semantic structure. The author’s interpretation demonstrates that the image acquires meanings of memory, continuity, and dynamic development.
The study confirms that the actualization of traditional symbolism in contemporary art enables the integration of cultural continuity with individual artistic expression.
Novelty. The scientific novelty lies in the комплекс analysis of the archetype of the Tree of Life as a dynamic symbolic model in contemporary sculpture and in identifying the relationship between its semantic content and plastic form. The practical significance. The results of the research may be used in artistic practice, educational processes in art and design disciplines, as well as in further art historical studies focused on symbolic structures and sculptural formmaking.