SYMBOLIC SEMANTICS IN THE VISUAL COMMUNICATIVE PRACTICES OF ANTI-WAR PERFORMANCES IN 2022–2024

The article is devoted to the study of symbolic semantics in the visual communicative practices of anti-war performances in the socio-political discourse of 2022-2024. The research analyzes 45 performances, 40 minutes of video recordings, and 120 photographs, allowing for the identification of key characteristics, archetypes, and symbols used to form anti-war messages. Significant attention is paid to the archetypes (mother, child, maiden-warrior, water, blood, victim, death) that shape the collective unconscious and emotionally impact the audience. The performances are characterized by their documentary nature, interactivity, publicity, and provocativeness, which enhances their impact. The role of performances as a powerful means of communication capable of criticizing war, evoking empathy, conveying the truth about war crimes, and forming anti-war sentiments is considered. Main Ideas of Contemporary Performances from 2022-2024: Drawing international attention to the consequences of war (civilian casualties); calls for help from international governmental organizations and European leaders (close the sky, impose stricter sanctions against Russia, provide weapons to Ukraine); reminding the world that the war continues and people are dying; narrating real tragedies caused by Russian aggression and war crimes (violence, rape, murder), especially those committed against women and children; protesting against indifference (silence) towards Ukraine's problems by foreign audiences; highlighting socially significant issues such as ecological disasters, destruction, prisoners of war, refugees, children, etc.; evoking sympathy among both foreign and Ukrainian audiences, emotions of anger, and aggression; a call for struggle and further resistance. Special attention is given to the use of social networks and media to spread anti-war ideas. The article emphasizes the importance of combining symbolic language, archetypes, and cultural codes to convey pacifist ideas both in Ukraine and beyond, engaging the international community in support of the fight against Russian aggression.