THE FIGURE OF VITALIY KULYKOV IN THE CONTEXT OF THE ARTISTIC CULTURE OF KHARKIV REGION IN THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY

Abstract

This article explores the artistic and pedagogical work of Kharkiv-based artist Vitaliy Kulykov (1935-2015) in the context of sociocultural transformations that shaped the artistic landscape of the Kharkiv region from the second half of the 20 th to the early 21 st century. A comprehensive approach allowed for the identification of the specifics of his individual style, defined by the terms «geometric montage» and «portrait-mask». It was revealed that Kulykov was not only a prominent representative of the Kharkiv school of painting but also a reformer of art education, who infused structural drawing with features of academic thinking within the framework of the architectural school.
The article is based on an analysis of sources from the last few decades, particularly publications by O. Shtok, V. Nemtsova, M. Ponomarenko, L. Smyrna, D. Klochko, and T. Luhovska, as well as materials from exhibition projects dedicated to Kharkiv art. The author substantiates the view of Kulykov9s unique position in Ukrainian visual culture as an artist who combined constructivism, intellectual reflection, and pedagogical innovation. His contribution to the development of visual resistance in the post-Soviet context and his significance for younger generations of artists are also examined. As a result, it is concluded that Kulykov represents a transitional epoch, whose legacy deserves broad academic attention in both the history of art and contemporary Ukrainian cultural identity.