Analysis of Cultural Narratives in Works of Art for the Study of Ukrainian-Russian Relations

The article is devoted to the consideration of cultural narratives in works of art as a reflection of the nature of Ukrainian-Russian relations. The purpose of the article is to analyse the cultural narratives presented in works of art during the war, from the perspective of studying Ukrainian-Russian relations. The research methodology includes a qualitative analysis of works of art created during the war, using methods of content analysis and semiotic analysis. The research used the method of narrative analysis to reveal subjective ideas about the given problem. The presented factual information is analysed in the explicit content of the narrative. Content-oriented analysis is aimed at clarifying the implicit content: meaning and significance, manifestations of certain motives, features of the formulation of the narrative, its meaningful changes. Formal analysis consists in clarifying the structure of narratives, the sequence of changes, their relationship with the temporal axis, complexity and interconnectedness; feelings and images reflected in works of art. Semiotic analysis is used to study works of art, the meanings embedded in them in view of the change in the socio-political situation (from annexation to full-scale invasion). Scientific novelty. Its use, along with the traditional one, creates a new path for the development of conceptual art, which is now relevant, since it allows not only to restore one’s identity on the basis of ancient cultural traditions, but also to form a new awareness of oneself in the world space. Conclusions. As a result of the study, it was found that the pro-Russian narratives that existed in the cultural space of Ukraine before 2014 have disappeared, and pro-Ukrainian ones are being promoted more actively, which indicates an awareness of their identity and a desire for national independence. A rather dramatic change can be traced in relation to Russian culture, which is recognised as imposed from the outside and implanted over the centuries by force. Subsequent research involves systematisation and analysis of modern symbolism that arose during a full-scale war and evokes lasting associations.