SCULPTURAL PROJECTS IN THE PUBLIC SPACE OF LVIV IN 2022-2023: NEW FORMATS OF REPRESENTATION IN THE TIME OF WAR

Abstract

The article focuses on the actualization of sculptural practices in the public space of Lviv, examines representative projects that took place in the city in 2022-2023, and outlines various formats and specifics of artistic solutions for public space. We consider the period of the last two years to be the most relevant for studying, given the outbreak of a full-scale war and difficult socio-political circumstances, among which we can observe the rapid dynamics of artistic processes, including the development of public art. In these years, high-quality cultural initiatives take on a special role and demonstrate a tendency to get closer to Europe and the world. Therefore, the role of the Lviv Sculpture Weeks in the development of public art and new approaches to the interaction of objects with society is clarified, and the communication effect is studied.We are focused on the most prominent projects, based on which we track certain trends. Among them: the installation of sculptures outside the historic center, the presence of projects that involve conceptual artistic solutions (abstract sculptures on Shevchenko Street, a project on Petrushevycha Square) etc.). At the same time, we can see that it is realistic figurative sculpture that remains the most accessible to the masses and provokes discussion (Mr. Arbitrator, Sure, sculptures near hospitals). It was found that the subject of war is present in the implemented projects in a rather fragmented way. The authors emphasize the importance of developing sculptural projects in public space, actualizing commemorative aspects in times of war, and supporting public art initiatives outside the historical center. Currently, this issue is not comprehended in the scientific discourse, and its comprehensive study is extremely important in the context of further research.